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There are many ways to express surprise and shock in English, but one of the most common and casual ways is to use the phrase “holy + (something).” This phrase can also be used when you are really impressed by something. You can add almost any word after “holy,” but there are some common fixed expressions, such as…
Holy cow
Holy mackerel (mackerel is a kind of fish)
Holy moly (perhaps originally from Holy Moses)
Holy guacamole (this just sounds funny because it rhymes)
Holy Toledo (perhaps referring to Toledo, Spain)
Holy shit (a little strong/rude) / Holy crap (a little less strong/rude)
Holy Mary, Mother of God
And sometimes we just extend the “o” sound, place extra stress on the second syllable, and leave out the second word, like “Hooo-LY!”
While the word “holy” means “related to a religion or a god,” you don’t have to be religious to use this phrase. Everyone uses it! Be aware, though, that it is quite casual, and versions like “holy shit” and “holy crap” are not appropriate in polite company!
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