Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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intj
An expression of surprise.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: euphemistic, humorous, idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Recorded from 1803 with uncertain origin, but possibly a euphemism for Holy Mary, with Mackerel being a nickname for Catholics because they ate the fish on Fridays. Another suggested explanation is the practice of selling mackerel on Sundays in the seventeenth century (because its quality deteriorates rapidly), so it was known as holy fish.
Across languages
1 source translations are retained for this English entry.
