It appears in Max Shulman’s 1951 collection of stories, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis: “Holy Toledo!” said Petey reverently. He plunged his hands into the raccoon coat and then his face. “Holy Toledo!” he repeated fifteen or twenty times.
Who came up with the saying 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 does it mean when someone says Holy Toledo?
exclamation of surprise or astonishment
Interjection. holy Toledo! An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
Where is Holy Toledo from?
Another version claims the exclamation of surprise refers to Toledo, Spain, which became one of the great centers of Christian culture after its liberation from the Moors in 1085. Its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, is the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Spain.
Where did the saying Holy smokes come from?
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.
Where did the term elbow grease originate?
If your little brother complains that mowing the lawn is too hard, you might say, “It just takes a little elbow grease!” The English poet Andrew Marvell used the word in 1672, and in 1699 it appeared in the “New Dictionary of the Canting Crew” with the definition “a derisory Term for Sweat.”
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!
What’s Toledo known for?
The Glass City
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.
What does 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!
Is Toledo a Hispanic name?
Spanish and Jewish (Sephardic): habitational name from the city in central Spain, which was the capital of the Visigothic state between the 6th and 8th centuries.
Why is Toledo Spain important?
Located on the banks of the Tagus in central Iberia, Toledo is known as the “Imperial City” because it was the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in Spain, and as the “City of the Three Cultures” for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims, and Jews reflected in its history.
How many churches are in Toledo Spain?
15 Churches and Cathedrals in Toledo: Map, Photos, + Reviews.
Is Toledo in northwest Ohio?
The city of Toledo is located in northwest Ohio at the western shore of Lake Erie and borders the state of Michigan.
Why do they 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 does elbow grease refer to?
elbow grease. Strenuous physical effort, as in You’ll have to use some elbow grease to get the house painted in time. This term alludes to vigorous use of one’s arm in cleaning, polishing, or the like.
What is elbow skin called?
Weenus (or weenis or wenis) is a slang word for the excess or loose skin at the joint of one’s elbow, which is technically referred to as olecranal skin.
What is elbow grease used for?
Elbow grease is an all-purpose degreaser. Its formulated to remove grease from around the home and the website claims that it is the only cleaner you’ll ever need.
How do you use Holy smokes in a sentence?
used to show that you think something is surprising, shocking, or impressive: I look at my kids and grandkids and think, holy smoke, what kind of world will they inherit? Holy smoke! The place was packed!
What type of word is perspiration?
the action or process of perspiring. a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands.
