Where Did The Expression For Pete’s Sake Come From?
| Updated: 10 Feb 2026
Who is Pete and why do we say Pete instead of God?
Mystery Hour Question
Who is Pete in the expression 'for Pete's sake'?
Tony, Holborn
Answer
Name: John, Epsom
Qualification: Sunday School
Answer: Pete refers to Saint Peter and it is used as a way of swearing. Taking any saint's name in this context is regarded as swearing. Pete is a substitute for God.