Crivens!
/KRIV-enz/ interjection
≈ “Christ! / Bloody hell!”
The signature exclamation of the Nac Mac Feegle, tiny blue warrior fairies who speak in broad Scots dialect. Equivalent to 'crikey' or 'Christ!'
“Crivens! There's a hag comin'!”— The Nac Mac Feegle (Wee Free Men)
Etymology
A Feegle-ized version of 'crikey' or 'crivens' (an actual Scots exclamation). Terry Pratchett gave the Nac Mac Feegle a thick Scots dialect, and their profanity reflects this.
Usage History
Used in the Tiffany Aching subseries of Discworld (2003-2015). Beloved by Discworld fans.
Taboo Trajectory
Mild but enthusiastic. The Feegles' approach to language is exuberant and physical — they fight first and swear second.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Consistent throughout all Tiffany Aching books featuring the Feegles.
Regional Notes
Specific to the Nac Mac Feegle (Wee Free Men) of the Chalk region of the Disc.
Real-World Euphemisms
CrikeyBlimeyChristGood grief