holy cow

English

Etymology

Minced oath for holy shit, possibly partially based on the fact that cows are sacred in some religions (e.g. Hinduism).

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Interjection

holy cow

  1. (idiomatic, euphemistic, minced oath) An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
    • 1977, Jim Steinman, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, in Bat Out of Hell, performed by Meat Loaf ft. Phil Rizzuto:
      Holy cow I think he's gonna make it!

Synonyms

Translations

See also

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