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 (AU)(file)

Interjection

holy cow

  1. (idiomatic, euphemistic, minced oath) An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
    • 1977, Jim Steinman (lyrics and music), “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

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See also
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