Mackerel

Mackerel

Noun · /ˈmæk.ər.əl/

Definition

A fast-swimming sea fish of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, with a distinctive blue-green back marked with wavy dark stripes, valued as food; holy mackerel — a mild exclamation of surprise (British and American informal).

Origin

From Old French maquerel (mackerel), of uncertain further origin; possibly from Middle Dutch makelaar (broker, agent — from the fish's supposed habit of acting as a guide for herring shoals, a folk etymology), or from another Low Countries source. The word is attested in English from the 13th century. The fish has been an important food source in Britain for centuries.