holy mackerel

Английский Язык - Английский Язык

Определение holy mackerel в Английский Язык Английский Язык словарь

An expression of surprise

Расстановка переносов

ho·ly macke·rel

Турецкое произношение

hōli mäkırıl

Синонимы

holy cow, holy moley, holy smoke, holy crap

Произношение

/ˈhōlē ˈmakərəl/ /ˈhoʊliː ˈmækɜrəl/

Этимология

() 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.