Some Catholics do consider the use of the phrase "Jeez" as being a form of violation of the Second Commandment. However, the use of such phrases are, to say the least very close to blasphemy, although the intention of the user many not be aware that this phrase is also by definition an euphemism for Jesus (1923). Once being made aware of such circumstances of honor towards the Holy Name of Jesus, such expressions should be culled from our vocabulary. At a minimum, employing such terms is disrespectful to the sacredness of the Name of Jesus.
The use of the word Geez is not only a variant of Jeez, but is also the liturgical language of the Coptic Church in Ethiopia. The use of this word in a disparagingly way, would be offensive to both Coptic Catholics and Coptic Orthodox Christians. Once again, the use of this word should be culled from our daily vocabulary.
Although the usage of such words, phrases or terms may or may not be technically blasphemy or a direct violation of the Second Commandment, they should only be used in a context befitting the honor and reverence towards the majesty of God.
"While etymologically blasphemy may denote the derogation of the honour due to a creature as well as of that belonging to God, in its strict acceptation it is used only in the latter sense. Hence it has been defined by Francisco Suárez as "any word of malediction, reproach, or contumely pronounced against God: (De Relig., tract. iii, lib. I, cap. iv, n. 1). It is to be noted that according to the definition (1) blasphemy is set down as a word, for ordinarily it is expressed in speech, though it may be committed in thought or in act. Being primarily a sin of the tongue, it will be seen to be opposed directly to the religious act of praising God. (2) It is said to be against God, though this may be only mediately, as when the contumelious word is spoken of the saints or of sacred things, because of the relationship they sustain to God and His service.
Blasphemy, by reason of the significance of the words with which it is expressed, may be of three kinds.
- It is heretical when the insult to God involves a declaration that is against faith, as in the assertion: "God is cruel and unjust" or "The noblest work of man is God".
- It is imprecatory when it would cry a malediction upon the Supreme Being as when one would say: "Away with God".
- It is simply contumacious when it is wholly made up of contempt of, or indignation towards, God, as in the blasphemy of Julian the Apostate: "Thou has conquered, O Galilaean".
Again, blasphemy may be (1) either direct, as when the one blaspheming formally intends to dishonor the Divinity, or (2) indirect, as when without such intention blasphemous words are used with advertence to their import."
It could also be noted that some Catholics find it somewhat irreverent to use various diminutive names that are being applied to the Saints! Some say for example St. Paddy and Joe for St. Patrick and St. Joseph.