Whiteisms
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Etymology Journal ยท H

Holy wah!

Meaning

A regional expression of surprise or frustration. It is a distinct marker of someone who likely grew up in the Upper Midwest.

Specific, regional

Used in a sentence

  • Holy wah, it is really coming down out there!
  • Holy wah, did you see the size of that buck?
  • Holy wah, I can't believe we found the keys under the seat.

The backstory

This is a classic Marquette, Michigan, and Upper Peninsula specialty. It is believed to be derived from Finnish or French-Canadian influence on the local dialect, adding a unique twist to American English.

Heard in

Upper Midwest / Michigan

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