Saturday, November 09, 2013

Holy Toledo!



Solar Monkey © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Actually, this image has nothing to do with the title. The title is part of a somewhat random thought.

I'll explain. Last night, my 22 year old son and I were talking about something-and he conveyed something incredible in the course of the conversation that astounded me. With which, I replied to him, "Holy Toledo!" He had NEVER heard of that expression and thought it was so funny.

Which got me to thinking. Where the heck did that expression come from? So, I Googled it. The Urban Dictionary offered a pretty good variety of definitions:

"On May 25, 1085 Alfonso VI of Castile kicked the Moors out of Toledo, Spain; after which Toledo became one of the great centers of Christian culture. Hence the nickname "Holy Toledo". It has since evolved into an exclamation exhibiting surprise, probably due to original surprise that a Moor-encrusted place could become Holy.


Which then evolved into this:
Most likely first used in the early 1900s, either refers to a sarcastic remark about Toledo, Ohio or originated from a realistic remark of the Holy city of Toledo, Spain. It is now used as a phrase, by Americans, if something is unbelievable, disturbing, or blows their mind."

They also offered another definition of which I will not post here. It seemed inappropriate and off topic.

About the image: it's a little solar monkey toy from the Dollar store on my dining room table in the afternoon sun. He was 'dancing away' and then the cat knocked him down, so he dances a lot less now. So sad...but, here he is before the 'accident':






Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!

12 comments:

robin. said...

Holy Toledo that dancing monkey is amazing. See what i did there...no? not impressed. great post!! isn't it interesting where sayings come from!!!

Sylvia K said...

I agree with Robin, it is interesting where sayings come from and certainly Holy Toledo is one of them!! Fun, interesting post as always, Paula!! Enjoy your weekend!!

MyMaracas said...

Interesting info - I never thought about where that phrase came from. LOVE the monkey! I'm gonna see if our Dollar Store has them.

Gemma Wiseman said...

I had no idea of the background of "Holy Toledo". The expression sounds like slang and yet it has religious connections. At least the little monkey is still loved even though broken. Lovely post.

Jim said...

Interesting post

Catherine said...

New one on me too - i have only heard holy moly....a rhyming variation? Like the colours and patterns on your table cloth too...makes for a lovely shot in total....

Nonnie said...

I've used that expression, but never took the time to find its origin. thank you, dear lady for doing it for me! what a gorgeous fabric, any plans for it?

Ruth Kelly said...

That monkey reminds me of a clock just ticking away.

BLOGitse said...

So funny! I've visited Toleco - it's a beautiful place but didn't hear any holy toledos during the visit! :)
Sorry I'm later but flu kept in bed till yesterday, really aggressive flu!
Byt getting better, I can feel it :)
BLOGitse

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I never knew where that expression came from, but now I do, thanks to you!

Desert Shadow Dance

Unknown said...

Paula, you are creative in so many areas. Great blog and I love the info on Holy toledo

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Thanks, Ann!

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