holy mary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “holy mary” mean?
An interjection expressing surprise, shock, or alarm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An interjection expressing surprise, shock, or alarm.
A mild, quasi-religious oath or expletive used to convey astonishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English; in British English, it might sound somewhat dated or influenced by American media.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a tone of old-fashioned or wholesome surprise. It is a 'polite' expletive.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but has higher recognition than usage.
Grammar
How to Use “holy mary” in a Sentence
[Subject] exclaimed, 'Holy Mary!'Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally, often humorously or by older speakers, to express surprise.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy mary”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy mary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy mary”
- Capitalising every word ('Holy Mary') is not standard in mid-sentence. Using it in formal writing. Confusing it with the prayer 'Hail Mary'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically not, as it is a mild, secularised exclamation. However, very devout individuals might find any casual use of sacred names inappropriate.
'Holy Mary' is an exclamation of surprise. 'Hail Mary' is primarily a Catholic prayer or, in American football, a desperate long pass.
Only in informal writing, such as dialogue in fiction, texts, or casual social media posts.
It is more recognisable and used in American English, though it is understood in British English, often perceived as an Americanism.
An interjection expressing surprise, shock, or alarm.
Holy mary is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Holy mary: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈmɛəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈmɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Holy Mary, mother of God! (a fuller, more religious form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a very surprised person looking at a statue of the Virgin Mary and saying 'Holy Mary!'
Conceptual Metaphor
SURPRISE IS A DIVINE ENCOUNTER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'holy mary' be LEAST appropriate?