Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- interjection idiomatic An expression of
surprise .
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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.
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Examples
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Prolagus commented on the word holy mackerel
This one.
March 4, 2010
madmouth commented on the word holy mackerel
I like the way you think
March 4, 2010
reesetee commented on the word holy mackerel
I've been coveting that sticker for some time now. :-)
March 4, 2010