Phrase guide

for Pete's sake

intj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

intj

Meaning 1

Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: minced oath

Examples

  • For Pete's sake, get off the computer! You've been on there for ages!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: FFS, for Christ's sake, for cripes' sake, for crying in the beer, for crying out loud, for fucking out loud, for fuck's sake, for God's sake, for goodness' sake, for heaven's sake, for mercy's sake, for Pete's sake, for pity's sake, for the love of all that is holy, for the love of Betsy, for the love of God, for the love of Mike, for the love of Moses, for the love of fuck, for the love of Pete

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Euphemistic variant of for Christ's sake, for God's sake; Pete either invoking Saint Peter or influenced by for pity's sake.