Mother of pearl!

[pruney]

Has anyone else heard of saying"mother of pearl!" when they see something surprising or they are shocked?

I say it a lot and my husband says it's not a saying and it's ridiculous but I heard Homer say it on the simpsons the other day and it was in Blazing Saddles as well - but I don't think these really support my "mot ridiculous" theory - any back up out there?

Thanks

[Quizmonster]

"Mother of God!" or even "Holy Mary, Mother of God!" were standard exclamations of surprise or shock, especially among Catholics. "Mother of Pearl!" is just a euphemistic version of those.

[Bert]

I've heard it on 'Neighbours' too.

[dzug]

Mother of pearl is also a substance used in making jewellery, etc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother-of-pearl

[uosdwiSjewoH]

We always say that in Springfield, pruney. Although Marge is Mother of Bart. Doh! And Lisa and Maggie. Mother of Maggie!

Marge came in today and said she'd been to the beauty parlour. I said: oh, were they closed then? Hee Hee.