holy mackerel

American  

interjection

Slang.

1. (used as an exclamation to express surprise or wonder.)

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Etymology

Origin of holy mackerel

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Holy mackerel, if I could unlock that at Hostess Brands.

From Seattle Times

“It is certainly unusual to hear someone who buys blood from the poor of Calcutta exclaim, ‘Holy mackerel!’” she wrote.

From Washington Post

When he gets miffed during staff meetings, the governor usually says, “Holy mackerel.”

From Washington Post

“We went from, we’re not going to make it to, holy mackerel, we’re going to make the Daytona 500,” he said.

From Seattle Times

When that door opens to you — "Oh, holy mackerel."

From Salon