Who is Pete? And Why are We Worried for His Sake?

The English language is such a weird... language. Why do we say some of the things we say?

"Knock on wood," "bury the hatchet," "rule of thumb," - You've probably noticed the English language has some weird sayings. And when you think of the words together, it really does seem odd - like "bite the bullet." Why would you have a bullet in your mouth in the first place? Why would you bite it?

The same is true for "Pete's sake." But where did that saying come from? Who is Pete? And why are we concerned for his account? There are actually a few different answers for this question.

The biggest reason people say "Pete's sake" is on a more religious stand. Instead of saying the Lord's name in vain, as in "for God's sake," or "for Christ's sake," the name "Pete" was put in its place.

The second reason follows closely with the first reason. The "Pete" that is used in the saying can refer to Saint Peter. And still on the same level as not saying God's name in vain, people would say "Pete," but mean the actual saint.

Now it has just become the norm. People say "for Pete's sake," and we usually don't give it a second thought. But if anyone ever wants to know who the "Pete" is behind the saying - now you know. It's Saint Peter.

Naomi Lynn Tests Matt's Skills with the "Y-E-S Riddle"

[H/T: The Free Dictionary]