20 Funny Ways To Say “What In The World” (With Examples)

Express your surprise using funny ways to say “What in the world” to brighten your conversations. A plain exclamation may fall flat, but a creative twist adds personality and makes your reaction memorable. It turns an ordinary moment into an engaging interaction that stands out.

Try these fun phrases in your daily chats and share your favorites with friends. A playful response can transform your day—so give it a try!

Funny Ways To Say “What in The World”

Here are 20 funny ways to say “what in the world”:

1. “Great Googly Moogly!”
2. “Holy Moly Guacamole!”
3. “What in the Peanut Butter and Jelly?!”
4. “By Merlin’s Beard!”
5. “What in the wide, wide world of sports?”
6. “What in the name of all that is holy and unholy?”
7. “What in the chocolate-covered pickles?”
8. “What in the name of Elvis’s blue suede shoes?”
9. “What in the sparkly unicorn poop?”
10. “What in the fresh heck?”
11. “What in the funky chicken?”
12. “What in the actual fudge?”
13. “What on God’s green Earth?”
14. “What in Sam Hill?”
15. “Well, butter my biscuit!”
16. “Sweet mother of monkey milk!”
17. “What in the glittery goblin snot?”
18. “Hold the mayo!”
19. “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!”
20. “What in the blazes?”

1. “Great Googly Moogly!”

This is a fun, silly way to show you’re surprised or impressed by something totally unexpected. It’s like saying “what in the world” but with a goofy twist that keeps things light and friendly. You’d use it when someone does something crazy or cool, and you want to react with a laugh.

Example 1: Suppose your friend shows up to lunch wearing a tie-dye shirt with a giant cartoon frog on it. You could say: “Great Googly Moogly!” to tease them about their wild fashion choice while showing you’re amused.

Example 2: Imagine your dog suddenly starts chasing its tail in the middle of the living room, spinning like a top. You could say: “Great Googly Moogly!” to laugh at the random silliness of the moment.

2. “Holy Moly Guacamole!”

This phrase is a playful way to express shock or excitement, with a nod to everyone’s favorite dip. It’s perfect for when something catches you off guard—what in the world just happened?—and you want to keep the mood upbeat and fun.

Example 1: Suppose your coworker brings a huge tray of nachos to the office for no reason. You could say: “Holy Moly Guacamole!” to show how surprised and happy you are about the random treat.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at the park, and a guy rides by on a skateboard while playing a ukulele. You could say: “Holy Moly Guacamole!” to point out how unexpected and cool that was.

3. “What in the Peanut Butter and Jelly?!”

This is a quirky, food-inspired way to say you’re confused or amazed by something odd. It swaps “what in the world” for a classic sandwich combo, making it a funny, casual reaction to anything weird or surprising.

Example 1: Suppose your sister comes home with a bright orange backpack covered in stickers of cats. You could say: “What in the Peanut Butter and Jelly?!” to laugh about her quirky taste while showing your surprise.

Example 2: Imagine you’re watching TV, and the news shows a guy waterskiing in a superhero costume. You could say: “What in the Peanut Butter and Jelly?!” to react to how strange and random that is.

4. “By Merlin’s Beard!”

This is a funny, magical way to show you’re shocked or amazed like something straight out of a wizard movie just happened in real life. It’s got that Harry Potter vibe, perfect for when you’re caught off guard by something wild or impressive—what in the world is going on here?

You’d say it to keep things playful, especially if the situation feels a little fantastical or over-the-top. It’s great for nerdy friends or moments that deserve a dramatic reaction.

Example 1: Suppose your cousin shows up to a family party wearing a full-on wizard robe and waving a wand he made himself. You could say: “By Merlin’s Beard!” to laugh at his dedication to the costume while showing you’re impressed by how extra he went.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a science fair, and a kid’s volcano project starts shooting out sparks and colored smoke instead of just baking soda fizz. You could say: “By Merlin’s Beard!” to express how surprised you are at this unexpected, almost magical twist.

5. “What in the wide, wide world of sports?”

This is a long, exaggerated way to say you’re baffled or surprised, with a nod to sports that makes it feel old-school and goofy. It’s like asking “what in the world” but stretching it out for extra drama—perfect for when something happens that’s so confusing or random, you can’t even process it.

You’d use it to tease someone or react to a situation that’s totally out of left field, keeping the tone light and sarcastic.

Example 1: Suppose your buddy tries to do a trick shot with a basketball at the park, but it bounces off the rim, hits a tree, and lands in a puddle instead. You could say: “What in the wide, wide world of sports?” to poke fun at his terrible aim while laughing at the ridiculous chain of events.

Example 2: Imagine you’re watching a local baseball game, and the mascot starts breakdancing in the middle of the field during a timeout. You could say: “What in the wide, wide world of sports?” to highlight how unexpected and hilarious that interruption was.

6. “What in the name of all that is holy and unholy?”

This is a dramatic, over-the-top way to show you’re stunned or confused by something that feels extreme—good or bad. It’s like saying “what in the world” but cranking it up with a mix of sacred and spooky vibes, making it perfect for when you’re joking about something wild that’s hard to believe.

You’d use it to exaggerate your reaction, keeping it fun and a little sarcastic, especially with friends who like big, bold humor.

Example 1: Suppose your roommate cooks a dish that’s a weird combo of pizza, tacos, and spaghetti all mashed together. You could say: “What in the name of all that is holy and unholy?” to show how baffled you are by this kitchen experiment while teasing them about the chaos on your plate.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a concert, and the lead singer suddenly jumps offstage, grabs a fan’s water bottle, and chugs it mid-song. You could say: “What in the name of all that is holy and unholy?” to laugh at how crazy and random that move was.

7. “What in the chocolate-covered pickles?”

This is a super silly, food-themed way to say you’re shocked or puzzled by something bizarre. It’s like “What in the world” but swaps in a ridiculous snack combo that no one would actually eat, making it extra funny for weird situations.

You’d use it when something’s so odd it deserves a goofy, lighthearted reaction—great for keeping the mood relaxed and playful with friends or family.

Example 1: Suppose your little brother builds a snowman indoors using cotton balls and syrup because it’s too warm outside. You could say: “What in the chocolate-covered pickles?” to laugh at his weird creativity while showing you’re surprised he even thought of it.

Example 2: Imagine you’re scrolling online and see a video of a cat riding a vacuum cleaner like it’s a horse. You could say: “What in the chocolate-covered pickles?” to point out how strange and funny that sight is.

8. “What in the name of Elvis’s blue suede shoes?”

This is a fun, retro way to show you’re surprised, with a shoutout to Elvis Presley’s famous song. It’s like saying “What in the world” but with a rock-and-roll twist that adds some swagger to your reaction.

You’d use it when something unexpected happens, and you want to sound cool and jokey about it—perfect for music fans or moments that feel a little larger-than-life.

Example 1: Suppose your dad starts karaoke night at home by belting out an Elvis song while wearing a shiny jacket he found in the attic. You could say: “What in the name of Elvis’s blue suede shoes?” to tease his sudden rockstar moment while showing you’re impressed by the effort.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a car show, and someone rolls up in a bright pink vintage Cadillac with Elvis decals all over it. You could say: “What in the name of Elvis’s blue suede shoes?” to react to how over-the-top and cool that ride is.

9. “What in the sparkly unicorn poop?”

This is a whimsical, kid-friendly way to say you’re shocked or delighted by something totally out there. It’s like “what in the world” but with a magical, glittery twist that makes it sound absurdly cheerful. You’d use it for something cute or crazy, keeping things silly and fun—great for playful moments with friends or when you want to lean into the ridiculousness.

Example 1: Suppose your niece shows you her new art project: a drawing of a unicorn pooping rainbows all over a castle. You could say: “What in the sparkly unicorn poop?” to laugh at how wild her imagination is while praising her colorful creation.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a fair, and a vendor is selling cotton candy shaped like glittery unicorn heads. You could say: “What in the sparkly unicorn poop?” to show how surprised and amused you are by that sugary oddity.

10. “What in the fresh heck?”

This is a clean, funny way to say you’re confused or surprised without getting too serious. It’s like “what in the world” but with “fresh heck” adding a light, goofy spin—perfect for keeping things polite but still showing you’re thrown off.

You’d use it in casual settings to react to something odd or unexpected with a smile.

Example 1: Suppose your neighbor puts up Christmas lights in July, complete with a glowing Santa on the roof. You could say: “What in the fresh heck?” to chuckle at the random timing while wondering what got into them.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at the grocery store, and someone’s cart is overflowing with nothing but pickles—jars and jars of them. You could say: “What in the fresh heck?” to quietly laugh at their bizarre shopping choice.

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11. “What in the funky chicken?”

This is a playful, dance-inspired way to say you’re shocked or entertained by something quirky. It’s like “What in the world” with a nod to the funky chicken dance, making it silly and upbeat.

You’d use it when something’s weirdly fun or surprising, keeping the vibe light and jokey—great for moments that feel like a spontaneous party.

Example 1: Suppose your friend starts doing a goofy dance in the middle of a quiet coffee shop just to make you laugh. You could say: “What in the funky chicken?” to show you’re surprised and cracking up at their random energy.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a picnic, and a bird lands nearby, flapping its wings like it’s trying to join the conversation. You could say: “What in the funky chicken?” to point out how funny and strange that little visitor is.

12. “What in the actual fudge?”

This is a sweet, silly way to show you’re stunned or confused, using “fudge” as a softer stand-in for stronger words. It’s like saying “what in the world” but with a dessert twist that keeps it fun and clean.

You’d use it when something’s so odd you can’t believe it, perfect for joking around with friends or family without getting too serious.

Example 1: Suppose your coworker shows up with a tie covered in pictures of fudge brownies instead of the usual boring stripes. You could say: “What in the actual fudge?” to laugh at their weird fashion while showing you’re caught off guard.

Example 2: Imagine you’re baking with your mom, and she accidentally dumps a whole bag of chocolate chips into the batter instead of a cup. You could say: “What in the actual fudge?” to tease her mistake while enjoying the messy fun.

13. “What on God’s green Earth?”

This is a classic, slightly dramatic way to say you’re shocked or puzzled by something that seems totally out of place. It’s like “what in the world” but with a down-home, nature-inspired feel that adds some weight to your surprise.

You’d use it when something’s so strange or unexpected it feels almost unbelievable, keeping it casual but expressive.

Example 1: Suppose your uncle shows up to Thanksgiving dinner riding a lawnmower instead of driving a car. You could say: “What on God’s green Earth?” while laughing at his odd entrance to show how confused you are.

Example 2: Imagine you’re hiking, and you spot a guy in a full tuxedo sitting on a rock in the middle of the woods. You could say: “What on God’s green Earth?” to react to how random and out-of-place he looks.

14. “What in Sam Hill?”

This is an old-fashioned, folksy way to say you’re surprised or annoyed by something confusing. It’s like “What in the world” with a mysterious twist—nobody’s quite sure who Sam Hill is, which makes it funnier.

You’d use it for odd situations where you want to sound a little grumpy but still keep it light and playful, especially with people who like quirky sayings.

Example 1: Suppose your brother tries fixing the sink and ends up flooding the kitchen with water everywhere. You could say: “What in Sam Hill?” to show you’re baffled by his DIY disaster while teasing him about the mess.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a garage sale, and someone’s selling a broken toaster for fifty bucks like it’s a treasure. You could say: “What in Sam Hill?” to laugh at the ridiculous price and wonder what they’re thinking.

15. “Well, butter my biscuit!”

This is a Southern-style, foodie way to show you’re surprised or delighted by something unexpected. It’s like “what in the world” but with a warm, buttery twist that feels cozy and fun.

You’d use it when something catches you off guard in a good way, keeping the tone friendly and a little sassy—perfect for casual, feel-good moments.

Example 1: Suppose your grandma pulls out a tray of fresh biscuits she baked just because she felt like it. You could say: “Well, butter my biscuit!” to show you’re pleasantly shocked and excited about the surprise treat.

Example 2: Imagine your friend wins a random raffle at the mall and walks away with a giant stuffed bear. You could say: “Well, butter my biscuit!” to cheer their luck while laughing at the unexpected win.

Related Post: 20 Funny Ways To Say “I Dont Care” (With Examples)

16. “Sweet mother of monkey milk!”

This is a wacky, over-the-top way to say you’re stunned or amazed by something totally bizarre. It’s like “what in the world” but with a crazy, made-up phrase that sounds like it came from a cartoon—perfect for when you want to go big with your reaction. You’d use it for something so strange or exciting it deserves a loud, silly outburst, keeping everyone laughing.

Example 1: Suppose your coworker brings a pet monkey to the office for show-and-tell, and it starts climbing the desks. You could say: “Sweet mother of monkey milk!” to shout your shock while cracking up at the chaos it’s causing.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at the zoo, and a monkey grabs a tourist’s hat and starts wearing it like a crown. You could say: “Sweet mother of monkey milk!” to laugh at how wild and funny that little thief is.

17. “What in the glittery goblin snot?”

This is a goofy, fantasy-flavored way to say you’re shocked or confused by something gross or weird. It’s like “what in the world” with a slimy, sparkly spin that makes it sound extra ridiculous—great for when you want to play up the absurdity of a situation.

You’d use it with friends who love silly humor, especially if something’s oddly messy or surprising.

Example 1: Suppose your kid comes home covered in glitter and glue from a school craft gone wrong. You could say: “What in the glittery goblin snot?” to tease them about the sticky mess while wondering how it got so bad.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a Halloween party, and someone’s costume oozes fake slime that sparkles under the lights. You could say: “What in the glittery goblin snot?” to laugh at how gross and cool it looks at the same time.

18. “Hold the mayo!”

This is a short, snappy way to say you’re surprised or want to pause and figure out what’s happening. It’s like “what in the world” but with a sandwich-making twist that keeps it quick and casual.

You’d use it when something catches you off guard, and you want to react with a bit of humor—perfect for everyday moments that need a light touch.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts you they’re bringing a live chicken to your house for no reason. You could say: “Hold the mayo!” to show you’re thrown off and need a second to process that random plan.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a diner, and the waiter brings you a burger stacked with ten patties instead of one. You could say: “Hold the mayo!” to laugh at the ridiculous size while figuring out how to tackle it.

19. “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!”

This is a classic, funny way to say you’re shocked or can’t believe what you’re seeing. It’s like “what in the world” with a playful, old-timey feel that imagines you’re related to a monkey—perfect for when something’s so surprising it flips your expectations.

You’d use it to keep things light and jokey, especially with people who enjoy quirky phrases.

Example 1: Suppose your shy friend suddenly gets up at karaoke and nails a loud rock song like a pro. You could say: “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” to show you’re stunned and impressed by their hidden talent.

Example 2: Imagine you’re fishing, and you pull up an old boot instead of a fish, but it’s full of coins. You could say: “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” to react to the weird, lucky find with a laugh.

20. “What in the blazes?”

This is a fiery, old-school way to say you’re confused or annoyed by something wild or chaotic. It’s like “what in the world” but with a hot, dramatic edge that makes it sound like things are heating up—great for when you want to show surprise with a bit of attitude.

You’d use it for situations that feel intense or messy, keeping it fun and expressive.

Example 1: Suppose your dog knocks over a lamp, and it starts a tiny fire that you quickly put out. You could say: “What in the blazes?” to scold him lightly while laughing at the sudden drama he caused.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a fireworks show, and one rocket goes sideways into the bushes instead of the sky. You could say: “What in the blazes?” to react to the unexpected mishap with a mix of shock and amusement.

Conclusion

When looking to spice up your reactions, explore funny ways to say “what in the world” that add a playful twist to everyday conversations. A fresh, creative expression can make your surprise feel engaging and genuine. We encourage you to try these alternatives to elevate your interactions.

Visit Other Ways To Say for more creative ideas and transform your everyday dialogue today!