15 Outrageous International Alternatives to 'Oh My God!' That Are Hilariously Unexpected

15 Outrageous International Alternatives to ‘Oh My God!’ That Are Hilariously Unexpected

Ever wondered how people around the globe react when they’re shocked or surprised? Well, someone asked Reddit users this very question, and the responses are nothing short of hilarious and eye-opening. From monitor lizards to holy cows, let’s dive into these quirky and amusing expressions from different corners of the world. Trust me, you’ll never see ‘Oh my God!’ the same way again!

Monitor Lizard Surprise

“MONITOR LIZARD!

In Thai, “hia” (เหี้ย) is a short word that translates to Monitor Lizard, and naturally seeing one out of the corner of your eye might generate a shock reaction. It’s become a standard sort for expletive of surprise even when the shocking content isn’t actually a monitor lizard.“

Thailand really takes the cake with this one. Imagine being so startled that you yell out “Monitor Lizard!” in Thai. It’s the kind of thing that makes you do a double-take. Who knew lizards could be so expressive?

Norwegian Lord God

“Herregud!

Norwegian version of “oh my god!”, just that it translates to “lord god!”“

Norway’s version is a bit more divine, translating to “lord god”. It’s like saying “Oh my god!” but with an extra sprinkle of reverence. Scandinavian simplicity at its finest!

Polish Exclamation

“”O kurwa!”“

Poland’s contribution to the world of exclamations is both bold and memorable. It’s a versatile phrase used in a variety of emotional states, but always packs a punch.

German Godliness

“”Oh mein gott”“

The Germans keep it classic with “Oh mein gott,” which directly translates to “Oh my god.” It’s like the universal shock phrase, but with a German twist.

Finnish Frankness

“In Finland we say “Mitä vittua?” that translates to “What the f*ck?”.“

Finland doesn’t beat around the bush. They get straight to the point with an expression that’s as blunt as it is effective. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Irish Religious Twists

“Ireland being quite religious, it’s usually just “Jesus” or a variation.

Jesus wept

Jesus tap dancing Christ

Christ on a pogo stick

Sweet baby Jesus

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey“

Ireland’s love for religious variations is both humorous and creative. From “Jesus wept” to “Christ on a pogo stick,” the Irish certainly know how to make an exclamation a memorable one.

Aussie Shock

“F*ck me dead!“

Australia, never one to mince words, gives us this gem. It’s a bit shocking and might make you blush, but it’s Aussie honesty at its best.

Japanese Astonishment

“えーーーーーーーーー or in English it’s Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh“

Japan’s expression of surprise is more of a sound than a word, stretching out the ‘E’ to convey a wide range of emotions, from shock to disbelief.

Hungarian Directness

“Mi a fasz? – What the d*ck? (Hungary)“

Hungary’s phrase is direct and to the point, albeit a bit on the risqué side. It’s another example of how different cultures express surprise in their own unique way.

British Elegance

“”By Jove, Sir!”

Then our monocles drop out.“

The British, with their typical elegance and a touch of humor, give us this phrase that sounds straight out of a Victorian novel. Monocles dropping and all!

Brazilian Bluntness

“Puta que pariu, it means btch gave birth, it was used to offend the mother of someone when they offended you, like “no it was the whre that gave birth to you”, now it’s just an expression when you are angry or surprised“

Brazil’s contribution is as colorful as it is expressive. It’s an interesting glimpse into how phrases evolve over time to become a part of everyday language.

Canadian French Color

““Tabarnak!” is what we say around here.“

In parts of Canada, particularly Quebec, this French curse word is a go-to for moments of intense emotion. It’s a staple in Canadian French slang.

Irish Simplicity

“”Well Shite!” – family in Ireland.“

Back to Ireland for a phrase that’s as straightforward as it gets. Sometimes, the simplest expressions are the most effective.

French Variations

“French here.

Posh people say “Oh mon Dieu !” (“oh my god!”)

Common people say “La vache !” (“holy cow!”)

Vulgar people say “Putain !” (“woman of little virtue!”)“

France shows off its range with three distinct expressions for different social classes. From the posh to the vulgar, there’s a phrase for every occasion.

German Bluntness

“Scheiße.“

And back to Germany, where they succinctly sum up surprise with a single word. It’s short, it’s to the point, and it perfectly captures the moment.


These expressions from around the world show just how colorful and diverse our reactions to surprise can be. Each phrase tells a story about its culture and the people who use it. So, next time you’re shocked or surprised, maybe try one of these on for size – just be prepared for some curious looks!

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