Were the Simpsons the first to use the phrase “Save me Jebus”? If not, where does it come from?
Yes. It’s from the episode where Homer attempts to duck an outrageous pledge he made to PBS and is tricked into going on a mission trip by Rev. Lovejoy. He argues that he can’t go because he doesn’t even believe in “Jebus,” then when his plane is in trouble he cries out “Save me Jebus!”
It’s the first time I ever heard it (which is not saying much)-- that and “I’m not a praying man but help me Superman!” (that’s paraphrased).
I have a feeling that it might come from somewhere else.
The term “Jebus” was used in a Family Guy episode around the same time. Given production times, etc. it seems unlikely that they were referencing The Simpsons, or vice-versa.
Most of the definitions at the Urban Dictionary agree the Simpsons was the origin, but really it wouldn’t surprise me if others had uttered it before as a euphemism, like bejeezes or bejeepers. But I think Homer definitely popularized it.
Judas Priest!!
It was coined to avoid the censors!!