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# holy cow

phrase (interjection / exclamation)

«holy cow» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday, mainly US) a cry of surprise, shock or amazement, a mild stand-in for a stronger swear word.
2. (literal, rare) a cow that is sacred, as cows are in Hinduism.

### In the lessons

People say it when something is surprising, very big or a bit scary, to show strong feeling without swearing; it is safe in front of children, teachers and grandparents. Common in American speech, comics and cartoons, and known everywhere English is spoken. Register: everyday, cheerful, slightly old-fashioned or playful.

### Examples

- Holy cow, look at the size of that pumpkin!
- Holy cow, you got every question right!
- Chat: holy cow that test was hard
- Holy cow, it's already dark — we're late!
- The commentator shouted, «Holy cow, what a catch!»
- Holy cow, did you see how fast that dog ran?
- Mum opened the bill and said, «Holy cow.»
- In the comic, the boy yells «Holy cow!» when the rocket takes off.

### Note

It is not about a real cow; do not take it literally. It sounds friendly and a bit comic, never rude. «Sacred cow» is different: an idea nobody is allowed to criticise. Plain meaning: «Wow!» or «That's shocking!»; it replaces a stronger swear word.