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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

And holy moly, were you all mad when its governor, Jay Inslee, didn’t make this list last time.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2020

Chief Keef has rapped about Bryant so often that the nod has lost all meaning: “My favorite player Kobe / You be holy moly / That mean you be with police.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2020

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

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

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