Holy smoke Meaning in English
expression
ˈhoʊɫi/ /ˈsmoʊk
HOH-lee SMOHK
hˈəʊli/ /smˈəʊk
HOH-lee SMOHK
Definition
An informal expression used to show surprise, shock, or amazement, similar to saying 'Oh my goodness!' or 'Wow!'.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, used mainly in spoken English and sometimes humorously or playfully. Can sound old-fashioned or exaggerated. Not used in serious situations—try 'Oh my God!' or 'Wow!' for stronger reactions.
Spanish: ¡Dios santo! - ¡Santo cielo!Portuguese (BR): Meu Deus! - Nossa!Portuguese (PT): Meu Deus! - Céus!Chinese (Simplified): 天啊！ - 我的天！Chinese (Traditional): 天啊！ - 我的天！Hindi: अरे बाप रे! - हे भगवान!Arabic: يا إلهي! - يا للعجب!Bengali: বাহরে বাপ - আরে বাবা - কি আশ্চর্যRussian: ого - ничего себе - вот это даJapanese: なんてこった - うわっ - びっくりしたVietnamese: trời ơi - trời đất ơi - khiếp thậtKorean: 어머나 - 세상에 - 이런Turkish: vay canına - aman tanrım - vay beUrdu: ارے بابا - ہائے اللہ - واہIndonesian: astaga - wow - ya ampun
Example Sentences
Holy smoke, look at that huge dog!
basic
Holy smoke, you finished your homework already?
basic
Holy smoke, that's a lot of money!
basic
I just saw the test results — holy smoke, I passed!
natural
Holy smoke, where did you learn to cook like that?
natural
We finally made it through traffic. Holy smoke, what a drive!
natural