# holy shit

idiom · Vulgar

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/holy-shit
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Expression of terror, awe, surprise, astonishment, etc., often at something seen for the first time or remembered immediately before using this term.

## Examples

- Holy shit, look at how fast that car is driving.
- When he saw the massive bill for the car repairs, he whispered, holy shit, that is expensive.
- Upon witnessing the sheer scale of the mountain range for the first time, she could only mutter, holy shit, under her breath.

## Origin

From *holy* + *shit*. No earlier record or specific named attribution is provided in the source.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.