holy moley
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Originally a euphemism for Holy Mary, Molly being a nickname for Mary. Compare holy Moses.
Pronunciation edit
Audio (General Australian): (file)
Interjection edit
- (idiomatic, dated, humorous or euphemistic) Synonym of wow, an expression of surprise. [from late 19th c.]
- 1892, Nathaniel Gould, Running it off; or, Hard hit[1]:
- "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.