Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • interjection idiomatic An expression of surprise.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

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 a holy fish.

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Examples

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Comments

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  • This one.

    March 4, 2010

  • I like the way you think

    March 4, 2010

  • I've been coveting that sticker for some time now. :-)

    March 4, 2010