Your post inspired me to search. Apparently, these words are variations on "Christ"--used by those who really don't want to take anybody's name in vain.
www.word-detective.com/012199.html
(In the middle of the page. But the other stuff is pretty interesting, too.)
Main Entry: criminy Part of Speech: interjection Definition: an exclamation of surprise, a mild oath; also written crimine, cf. crikey Etymology: Italian crimine 'crime'; euphemism for 'Christ'
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