Why Are the Expressions “Holy Mackerel”, “Holy Smokes”, and “Holy Cow” Blasphemous?
As innocent as it seems today, the expression “holy mackerel” began as a blasphemous Protestant oath against the Friday fish-eating habit of Catholics. The fish was an early symbol of Christianity. Likewise, “holy smokes” is a snide reference to religious incense burning, while “holy cow” is a shot at Hindus who consider cows sa
