holy mackerel
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Recorded from 1803 with uncertain origin, but possibly a euphemism for Holy Mary, with Mackerel being a nickname for Catholics because they ate the fish on Fridays. Another suggested explanation is the practice of selling mackerel on Sundays in the seventeenth century (because its quality deteriorates rapidly), so it was known as a holy fish.
[edit] Interjection
- (idiomatic, humorous or euphemistic) An expression of surprise.
- 1951, Marguerite Wallace Kennedy, My Home on the Range, Ch.3
- Holy Mackerel! Here Comes the Bride!"
- 1951, Marguerite Wallace Kennedy, My Home on the Range, Ch.3
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
expression of surprise
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
