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holy moly

American  
[moh-lee] / ˈmoʊ li /

interjection

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


Etymology

Origin of holy moly

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As she says, "Especially when it becomes something that's truly delicious, there's nothing better. It's like, holy moly, I want to do that again."

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2022

It’s secure when snapped shut, but holy moly, it completely falls apart whenever you take it off.

From The Verge • Mar. 2, 2022

Because of medication and years of therapy, I rarely have panic attacks anymore, but holy moly is the anxiety still present.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2022

“Just that one day at Tesla, holy moly it changed my life,” said Mark Vasquez, 40, of the day in 2015 when he permanently injured his back while working at Tesla.

From The Guardian • Jun. 14, 2018

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

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas