Christchurch

Christchurch is a term that is exclaimed when someone finds themselves in a situation where the shouting of Christ or Jesus Christ would generally be warranted. The term is said to have been created in southern Ontario (Canada) when a young chap hurt himself in the presence of devout churchgoers and wanted to yell Christ. As it is blasphemous to use the Lord's name in vain, the inventor - who was well read in Oceanic geography - quickly added church to the end of his exclamation.

Note: If you hear someone use Christchurch in this context, it is customary that you reply by stating Auckland - or more rarely, Wellington.

John: (Stand up in a low ceiling basement and hit his head) 'A christchurch!'

Peter: Auckland!

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