Etymology Journal ยท H
Holy cannoli!
Meaning
- An enthusiastic exclamation used when something surprising or impressive happens. It adds a bit of Italian flair to a standard expression of shock.
Cheesy, fun
Used in a sentence
- Holy cannoli, you actually finished that project a week early?
- Holy cannoli, that is the best dessert I have ever tasted.
- Holy cannoli, look at the size of that crowd in the stadium.
The backstory
This is a modern variant of the holy-something pattern, likely popularized by pop culture references in the late 20th century. It plays on the rhyming sound of the Italian pastry.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check