holy moley

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

c. 1892 as a euphemism for "Holy Mary", Molly being a nickname for Mary. Compare holy Moses.

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Interjection

holy moley!

  1. (idiomatic, dated, humorous or euphemistic) An expression of surprise
    • 1892, Nathaniel Gould, Running it off; or, Hard hit‎:
      "Whew !" he whistled, softly; "that's curious. Same name as the lady at our place. Suppose he should be her husband. Holy moley, what a game. I've made a discovery.

Synonyms

Translations
holy smoke — see holy smoke
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