It's just an expression of shock or surprise, much like "wow!" or "holy moses" or "holy crap" or, less commonly, "leaping lizards" or "jumping Jehoshaphat" or the like.
It's not uncommon in AE, especially when reacting to something remarkable in terms of scale, size, or degree.
It's not uncommon in AE, especially when reacting to something remarkable in terms of scale, size, or degree.
Hello, Lou
First of all, forum rules specify that posters make a reasonable attempt at resolving questions for themselves. It's not that forum members are stuffy or controlling, it's just to keep down the traffic. In other words, the primary purpose of the forum is to help people and not to be chatty.
The Internet, used judiciously, is a great research tool.
Wikipedia has a nice explanation HERE.
First of all, forum rules specify that posters make a reasonable attempt at resolving questions for themselves. It's not that forum members are stuffy or controlling, it's just to keep down the traffic. In other words, the primary purpose of the forum is to help people and not to be chatty.
The Internet, used judiciously, is a great research tool.
Wikipedia has a nice explanation HERE.
I have a feeling that it is an alteration to 'Holy Mary!', when one realises at the last minutes that one doesn't want to blaspheme.
Just like people who say 'sugar!' instead of 'shit!'
Just like people who say 'sugar!' instead of 'shit!'
One of my all-time favourite exclamations and one I still use. Much more melifluous than "Holy Moly".