Feb. 26 – Pete’s Sake Day

Pete’s Sake Day is celebrated every year on February 26. Since the 1700s, people have used minced oaths as substitutes for profanity. Though the origin of this practice is unknown, it likely arose as a way to avoid blasphemy. Today, we continue to use these phrases in moments of frustration or clumsiness. “For Pete’s sake” is one such phrase that has been singled out for special attention. This is likely because “Pete” is a euphemism for St. Peter. However, it is a euphemism that is used so commonly that its original meaning has been lost. Though the origins of this phrase are unclear, we can still use it to add a bit of color to our language.