Holy mackerel Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhoʊɫi/ /ˈmækɝəɫ

HOH-lee MAK-er-uhl

UK

hˈəʊli/ /mˈækəɹəl

HOH-lee MAK-uh-ruhl

Definition

An informal expression used to show surprise, shock, or excitement. Similar to saying 'wow' or 'oh my goodness'.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and slightly old-fashioned; common in cartoons, movies, or when playfully exaggerating surprise. Use with friends or in casual settings, not in serious or formal contexts. Similar to 'holy cow' or 'goodness gracious.'

• Spanish: ¡madre mía! - ¡caray! - ¡santo cielo!
• Portuguese (BR): nossa! - caramba! - meu Deus!
• Portuguese (PT): bolas! - caramba! - meu Deus!
• Chinese (Simplified): 天哪 - 哇塞 - 我的天啊
• Chinese (Traditional): 天啊 - 哇塞 - 我的天啊
• Hindi: अरे बाप रे! - ओह मेरे भगवान!
• Arabic: يا إلهي! - يا للعجب! - مذهل!
• Bengali: হoly mackerel - মামা রে - ধুর
• Russian: ого - ничего себе - вот это да
• Japanese: なんてこった - びっくりした
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - ôi trời
• Korean: 세상에 - 맙소사
• Turkish: vay canına - aman Allahım
• Urdu: ارے واہ - اوہ میرے خدا
• Indonesian: astaga - ya ampun

Example Sentences

Holy mackerel, that ice cream is huge!

basic

Holy mackerel, did you see that cat jump?

basic

Holy mackerel, the weather changed so fast.

basic

Holy mackerel, I totally forgot it was your birthday!

natural

Holy mackerel, where did you learn to dance like that?

natural

Holy mackerel, this bill for dinner is huge!

natural