holy moly

[ moh-lee ]

interjection

Slang.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of holy moly¹

moly coined as rhyming twin to holy, on the model of holy cow, holy smoke, etc.

Example Sentences

When I told him this, he went, ‘Holy moly, that’s impressive.’

From Los Angeles Times

“Holy moly,” Yost recalled thinking.

From New York Times

Holy moly, I can call him Uncle Ty.

From Literature

I climb through, and holy moly this place is holy.

From Literature

“Hellhounds...Giant’s hair. Holy moly, Giant’s hair! Dad taught me about it in my hellhound lesson. It’s one of the few things strong enough to catch them. He also said you shouldn’t try to catch a hellhound in cold climates because Giant’s hair weakens in the cold.”

From Literature