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sakes

1 8.1

A word used in phrases that start with for to show anger or urgency

noun
/seɪks/

Informal

: por el amor de Dios

For God's sake, who got a free Pepsi?

Pope wears one, for God's sake, Priests do too.

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Examples

But for God's sakes, go up and talk to strangers.

Chris Williamson
For God's sakes, it's all backwards.
Oh, for goodness sake, make this stop.
And if you are still going, oh, for God's sakes, Mel, what are you talking about?
Let us not, for heaven's sake, tell the Muslim what he ought to think.

The Great War
Oh, for Pete's sake, come on, come on.

Tati
Well, for heaven's sakes, you're built in God's image.

Ryan Pineda
If you're not starring in your own life, for God's sakes, who is?
For goodness sake, Nala, you can't come here.
Oh, for goodness sakes, make this stop!

Synonyms

for Christ's sake

vssakes

Offensive

65 9.7

A strong expression showing anger, surprise, or urgency

is the general set phrase used to show strong feeling without a name

for heaven's sake

vssakes

Informal

45 7.6

People say it to show impatience or anger

is the broader set phrase used for strong feeling without specific tone

for fuck's sake

vssakes

Offensive

33 9.9

A very rude phrase people say to show strong anger or annoyance

is the general set phrase used to show strong feeling without vulgarity

for Pete's sake

vssakes

Informal

21 9.0

Shows someone is annoyed, impatient, or in a hurry when spoken

is the standard set phrase used more widely and formally

for goodness' sake

vssakes

Informal

10 7.6

Say it when you are annoyed to ask someone to do or stop something

is the stronger general expression used for more intense exasperation

for pity's sake

vssakes

Informal

2 8.2

A person asks angrily and urgently for someone to act now

is the general urgent expression without the sympathetic nuance

for the love of Mike

vssakes

1 9.9

Words people say when they are very annoyed or want something done quickly

is the general expression that can be stronger or less polite

for the love of Christ

vssakes

Offensive

9.7

A strong spoken request or cry that shows shock and anger

is the neutral set phrase for strong feeling without explicit religion

for mercy's sake

vssakes

Informal

9.3

To ask or beg strongly when you are upset

is the common modern set phrase used broadly across contexts

Surface Forms

sake singular

sakes plural

Etymology

Sakes in phrases like 'for heaven's sakes' comes from the same old sake meaning 'cause' or 'benefit', and people began to use it after words like 'heaven' or 'goodness' to show strong feeling. That is why 'for heaven's sakes' is used to express anger, surprise, or urgency.