It became connected with a number of American baseball broadcasters during the 1990s. Halsey Hall, a reporter and broadcaster who lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 1919 until his death in 1977, is said to have coined the term.
Who first said Holy Mackerel?
As an illustration, ″Holy mackerel!″ That’s a significant catch. In spite of the fact that most people now identify this name with the character Robin from the 1960s television show Batman, it was first used by a far more contentious pop culture icon: George ″Kingfish″ Stevens.
Where did saying Holy Mackerel come from?
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.
What does the saying Holy Mackerel mean?
very surprised, pleased
Definition of holy mackerel
—used to say that one is very surprised, pleased, or excited Holy mackerel! You got your hair cut!
What is the holiest fish?
halibut
The word halibut actually means ‘holy fish’. It was also known as the fish of the gods, and qualities such as wisdom and strength were attributed to it.
What is the meaning of holy smokes?
very surprised, pleased
Definition of holy smoke
informal. —used to say that one is very surprised, pleased, or excited Holy smoke! You got your hair cut!
Is Holy cow a swear word?
“Holy cow” is a milder expression with the same meaning, but because it does not contain a vulgarity, it is appropriate to use in situations where profanity is unacceptable. There are many other words that can be used with “holy” for the same purpose, all substituting for vulgar or religious terms.
Why do we say Holy Toledo?
(In the 20s and 30s, Toledo was a sanctuary for gangsters. They made an agreement with the police that if the police would leave them alone, they would leave Toledo alone. Since this provided a sanctuary, the gangsters called the city “Holy Toledo.”
What means cut the mustard?
To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé really cut the mustard in her new song.
What does callow fellow mean?
Definition of callow
: lacking adult sophistication : immature callow youth callow newcomers.
Why does Christianity use the fish symbol?
Early Christians used the fish as a secret code to identify meeting places, tombs, and even other Christians. Legend has it that if an early Christian met a stranger, he or she could draw half of the Ichthys on the ground. If the stranger completed the sketch, they would both know they were Christians.
What did Jesus do with fish?
Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied.
What’s the meaning of the Jesus fish?
: a representation of a fish used in ancient times as a pagan fertility talisman or amulet or as a Christian symbol for the Greek word ichthys interpreted as an acrostic in which the Greek letters are the initials of the words I ēsous Ch ristos th eou hy ios s ōtēr meaning Jesus Christ Son of God Savior.
Why do we say holy cow?
Origins: Earliest traced American use in 1905 in a newspaper in the state of Minnesota. Commonly used by American baseball players as early as 1913. They used “Holy cow!” in place of obscene words in order to avoid penalties during the game.
Is Holy smokes a swear word?
Definitions include: a term used in lieu of a profanity. Definitions include: a general exclamation (of surprise, disbelief, excitement, displeasure, etc.)
What’s the meaning of holy cow?
express surprise or excitement
Definition of holy cow
informal. —used as an interjection to express surprise or excitement Holy cow!
What can I say instead of Holy Cow?
Here are some similar phrases which can be used instead of “Holy Cow”.
- Holy smoke.
- Holy mackerel.
- Holy Moses.
- Holy cat.
- Holy Molly (euphemism for “Holy Mary”, Molly being a nickname for Mary)
Where did the phrase Good grief come from?
The first OED example for “good grief” used in popular writing is from a 1937 short story by Raymond Chandler: “ ‘Good grief,’ De Spain said. ‘He’s up there right now. ‘ ” (The only version of that quotation that we could find was in a 1938 story by Chandler, “Bay City Blues.”)
Where did Holy smokes originate?
The expression, as a exclamation, dates from the latter part of the nineteenth century. The first reference in the Oxford English Dictionary is in a book by Rudyard Kipling and his American agent Charles Balestier, The Naulahka, published in 1892.
Who said Holy Toledo?
“Holy Toledo”, a song by Gigolo Aunts from Everybody Happy. “Holy Toledo”, a song by Crystal Bowersox from Farmer’s Daughter. “Holy Toledo!”, a song by Green Day from Mark, Mary & Some Other People. “Holy Toledo!”, a catchphrase of sportscasters Bill King and Milo Hamilton.
What is Toledo famous for?
Founded in 1833, Toledo has become well known for its industry, particularly in auto assembly and glass (hence the nickname “The Glass City”). Toledo is now at the heart of the New Manufacturing Economy, which is entrepreneurial in spirit.
