holy moley

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Originally 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) Synonym of wow, an expression of surprise. [from late 19th c.]
    • 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.
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