I’m not sure when I started saying it, but I’ve been uttering these two words together for a long time.
“Holy Cow.” Over the years, it has taken other various forms with me.
Like “Holy Smokes.” “Holy Smackerels.” And in the past five years or so, “Holy Heckins.”
I suppose it is a bit of a minced oath to avoid swearing. But I don’t swear much. In fact, these days, it is a rare occurrence.
But how did it start? Where did it begin?
Well. I’m told that the phrase dates back to at least 1913 in baseball circles, possibly influenced by Hinduism’s sacred cows. I’m not sure how baseball and Hinduism are related, though. But I do know that cows are revered in Hinduism for their contributions to humans, and the phrase’s popularity coincides with Western awareness of this belief.
Of course, I will always associate the phrase with the Chicago Cubs announcer, Harry Caray.
Caray used to sit in the booth and always put forth a memorable “hooooo-leeeee coooow!” in every one of his broadcasts.
How did it get into baseball? Specifically? Well, way back, a pitcher for the Sacramento Wolves of 1913 was known as Otto “Holy Cow” Peters.
But people were saying “Holy Cow” long before then.
So, why a holy cow, then? Well. We have to shift back to Hinduism. Cows are held “holy” in Hinduism. They are not gods, and they are not worshipped, but cows are considered sacred. These gentle beasts give more to humans than they take in the form of milk and its products, like butter and cheese, and manure, which we can use as fertilizer. Of course, we non-Hindus eat beef and a lot of it, especially in America. And in that way, cows pay the ultimate price. But, as a rule, a Hindu will not eat beef. Ever.
At any rate. Cows are holy there in Hinduism. So that is probably where the phrase got its roots.
Or it could be Robin. You know. Batman and Robin? Ol’ Wonderboy was always saying, “Holy Cow, Batman.” And “Holy-Everything Else.”
Regardless.
I say “Holy Cow” or “Holy Something” on a pretty regular basis. Holy Heck.
But my big question is:
“What do most people say during those ‘exclamation’ moments?”
What is the phrase that comes out of your mouth?
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“The beauty of an exclamation lies in its ability to convey surprise and wonder in a single breath.” – Anonymous
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“An exclamation is the punctuation of the soul.” – Anonymous
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“Exclamations are the spontaneous outpouring of emotion, unfiltered by reason.” – Anonymous
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