holy mackerel

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 holy fish.

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holy mackerel

1. (idiomatic, humorous or euphemistic) An expression of surprise.
   • 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 48:

     ‘Holy mackerel!’ he whispered. ‘Englehorn! Driscoll! Get a look at this thing.’

   • 1951, Marguerite Wallace Kennedy, chapter 3, in My Home on the Range:

     Holy Mackerel! Here Comes the Bride!"

   • 1956, Ian Fleming, Diamonds are Forever, published 1965, page 163:

     "Holy mackerel! Just any old dumb hag who can cook and lie on her back?"

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