Feeling like the word “wow” just doesn’t capture the humor or depth of a truly surprising moment? Relying on this one word can make your reactions sound repetitive and uninspired.

This article will show you funny ways to say “wow” that will make your reactions more unique and memorable. Discover witty alternatives that will turn unexpected moments into opportunities for humor and laughter.

Funny Ways to Say “Wow”

Holy smokes
Well I’ll be
Blow me down
Good gravy
Hot diggity
Gee whiz
No kidding
Zowie
Oh boy
Great googly moogly
Holy Toledo
Man alive
Whoa there
Sweet sassafras
Gosh dang
Jeepers creepers
Holy mackerel
By golly
Well butter my biscuit
Shiver me timbers

1. Holy smokes

Holy smokes is a lively, informal phrase for expressing amazement or surprise, often used among friends as a spirited alternative to “wow.” With an energetic, slightly dramatic tone, it’s perfect for reacting to impressive or unexpected events. Using “holy smokes” adds a colorful, vintage humor that amplifies your astonishment. It’s ideal for conveying a sense of wonder with a fun, theatrical flair.

Example 1: When your friend shows you a new, high-tech drone that can do flips, you could say: “Holy smokes, that’s incredible!”
Example 2: If your colleague unveils a stunning new website design at work, you might say: “Holy smokes, that’s gorgeous!”

2. Well I’ll be

Well I’ll be is a folksy, humorous phrase used to express surprise or disbelief. With a warm, old-fashioned tone, it’s suitable for casual or nostalgic contexts. It conveys a sense of being genuinely caught off guard, making it great for reacting to unexpected news or impressive feats among friends. Using “well I’ll be” instead of “wow” adds a charming, down-to-earth humor that feels approachable and sincere.

Example 1: When your sibling reveals they taught their dog to skateboard, you could say: “Well I’ll be, that’s wild!”
Example 2: If your teammate shows you a record-breaking sales report, you might say: “Well I’ll be, that’s amazing!”

3. Blow me down

Blow me down is a playful, nautical-inspired phrase used to express astonishment. It has a dramatic, cartoonish tone, perfect for casual or fun settings. It evokes the image of being knocked over by surprise, ideal for reacting to shocking or impressive moments. Using “blow me down” instead of “wow” adds a quirky, exaggerated humor that feels lively and theatrical.

Example 1: When your friend shows you a new, colorful tattoo, you could say: “Blow me down, that’s stunning!”
Example 2: If your coworker unexpectedly pulls off a flawless presentation, you might say: “Blow me down, you nailed it!”

4. Good gravy

Good gravy is a quirky, lighthearted phrase to express surprise or amazement. With a humorous, family-friendly tone, it’s great for casual contexts. It conveys a sense of delight or shock, making it perfect for reacting to surprising or fun moments among friends. Using “good gravy” instead of “wow” adds a silly, food-inspired humor that keeps the mood light and playful.

Example 1: When your cousin shows you their new, tricked-out gaming PC, you could say: “Good gravy, that’s a beast!”
Example 2: If your colleague reveals a creative marketing campaign, you might say: “Good gravy, that’s brilliant!”

5. Hot diggity

Hot diggity is an upbeat, retro phrase for expressing excitement or amazement. With a cheerful, enthusiastic tone, it’s perfect for casual or lively settings. It conveys a sense of joy or surprise, making it ideal for reacting to impressive or exciting news. Using “hot diggity” instead of “wow” adds a vibrant, old-school humor that feels energetic and fun.

Example 1: When your friend tells you they won a local art contest, you could say: “Hot diggity, that’s awesome!”
Example 2: If your teammate shows you a sleek new office gadget, you might say: “Hot diggity, that’s cool!”

6. Gee whiz

Gee whiz is a playful, old-fashioned phrase used to express surprise or enthusiasm. It has a wholesome, youthful tone, suitable for casual or nostalgic contexts. It conveys a sense of wonder, making it great for reacting to surprising or delightful moments among friends. Using “gee whiz” instead of “wow” adds a charming, innocent humor that feels warm and approachable.

Example 1: When your sibling shows you their new, shiny bicycle, you could say: “Gee whiz, that’s so cool!”
Example 2: If your coworker reveals a surprise office party plan, you might say: “Gee whiz, that’s exciting!”

7. No kidding

No kidding is a casual, slightly sarcastic phrase used to express surprise or disbelief. With a playful, conversational tone, it’s perfect for informal settings. It conveys a sense of being genuinely shocked or impressed, ideal for reacting to surprising news or facts. Using “no kidding” instead of “wow” adds a humorous, skeptical edge that keeps the mood light and engaging.

Example 1: When your friend tells you they ran a marathon in record time, you could say: “No kidding, that’s incredible!”
Example 2: If your colleague shares they coded an app in one night, you might say: “No kidding, that’s insane!”

8. Zowie

Zowie is a short, comic-book-style phrase used to express excitement or astonishment. It has a bold, energetic tone, perfect for casual or geeky contexts. It conveys a sense of being blown away, making it great for reacting to impressive or surprising moments. Using “zowie” instead of “wow” adds a punchy, retro humor that feels dynamic and fun.

Example 1: When your cousin shows you their new, high-speed skateboard, you could say: “Zowie, that’s fast!”
Example 2: If your teammate unveils a flashy new project demo, you might say: “Zowie, that’s impressive!”

9. Oh boy

Oh boy is a simple, informal phrase used to express surprise or excitement. With a versatile, enthusiastic tone, it’s suitable for casual or emotional contexts. It conveys a sense of anticipation or shock, making it great for reacting to surprising or fun moments. Using “oh boy” instead of “wow” adds a straightforward, heartfelt humor that feels relatable and warm.

Example 1: When your friend shows you their new, giant aquarium, you could say: “Oh boy, that’s stunning!”
Example 2: If your coworker reveals a huge new client deal, you might say: “Oh boy, that’s big!”

10. Great googly moogly

Great googly moogly is a quirky, exaggerated phrase used to express astonishment. It has a humorous, over-the-top tone, perfect for casual or playful settings. It conveys a sense of being floored by something surprising, ideal for reacting to wild or impressive events. Using “great googly moogly” instead of “wow” adds a silly, memorable humor that amplifies your reaction.

Example 1: When your sibling shows you their new, colorful mural, you could say: “Great googly moogly, that’s art!”
Example 2: If your teammate reveals a massive sales boost, you might say: “Great googly moogly, that’s huge!”

11. Holy Toledo

Holy Toledo is a fun, retro phrase used to express surprise or amazement. With a lively, dramatic tone, it’s suitable for casual or nostalgic contexts. It conveys a sense of being stunned, making it great for reacting to unexpected or impressive moments. Using “holy Toledo” instead of “wow” adds a quirky, regional humor that feels energetic and unique.

Example 1: When your friend shows you their new, custom-built guitar, you could say: “Holy Toledo, that’s gorgeous!”
Example 2: If your colleague unveils a bold new ad campaign, you might say: “Holy Toledo, that’s creative!”

12. Man alive

Man alive is a lively, old-fashioned phrase used to express surprise or disbelief. It has an energetic, emphatic tone, perfect for casual or spirited settings. It conveys a sense of being shocked or impressed, ideal for reacting to surprising or bold moments. Using “man alive” instead of “wow” adds a vibrant, vintage humor that feels dynamic and engaging.

Example 1: When your cousin tells you they climbed a mountain, you could say: “Man alive, that’s incredible!”
Example 2: If your teammate shows you a record-fast project completion, you might say: “Man alive, that’s quick!”

13. Whoa there

Whoa there is a casual, playful phrase used to express surprise or amazement. It has a slightly dramatic tone, suitable for informal or lighthearted contexts. It conveys a sense of pausing in shock, making it great for reacting to unexpected or impressive events. Using “whoa there” instead of “wow” adds a humorous, horse-reining metaphor that feels fun and engaging.

Example 1: When your friend shows you their new, flashy sports car, you could say: “Whoa there, that’s sleek!”
Example 2: If your coworker reveals a surprising new app feature, you might say: “Whoa there, that’s cool!”

14. Sweet sassafras

Sweet sassafras is a quirky, Southern-inspired phrase used to express surprise or delight. It has a playful, whimsical tone, perfect for casual or nostalgic settings. It conveys a sense of charmed astonishment, ideal for reacting to fun or surprising moments. Using “sweet sassafras” instead of “wow” adds a colorful, plant-inspired humor that feels warm and unique.

Example 1: When your sibling shows you their new, vibrant garden, you could say: “Sweet sassafras, that’s beautiful!”
Example 2: If your teammate unveils a creative team logo, you might say: “Sweet sassafras, that’s awesome!”

15. Gosh dang

Gosh dang is a lighthearted, informal phrase used to express surprise or excitement. It has a mild, family-friendly tone, suitable for casual contexts. It conveys a sense of being taken aback, making it great for reacting to surprising or fun news among friends. Using “gosh dang” instead of “wow” adds a simple, playful humor that feels approachable and clean.

Example 1: When your friend tells you they won a local baking contest, you could say: “Gosh dang, that’s impressive!”
Example 2: If your colleague shows you a stunning new office mural, you might say: “Gosh dang, that’s gorgeous!”

16. Jeepers creepers

Jeepers creepers is a playful, retro phrase used to express surprise or amazement. With a quirky, theatrical tone, it’s perfect for casual or nostalgic settings. It conveys a sense of being startled or delighted, ideal for reacting to surprising or fun moments. Using “jeepers creepers” instead of “wow” adds a whimsical, old-school humor that feels lively and fun.

Example 1: When your cousin shows you their new, elaborate costume, you could say: “Jeepers creepers, that’s wild!”
Example 2: If your teammate reveals a surprising new product design, you might say: “Jeepers creepers, that’s slick!”

17. Holy mackerel

Holy mackerel is a humorous, old-fashioned phrase used to express astonishment. With a lively, exaggerated tone, it’s suitable for casual or playful contexts. It conveys a sense of being floored by something surprising, perfect for reacting to impressive events. Using “holy mackerel” instead of “wow” adds a quirky, fish-inspired humor that feels energetic and unique.

Example 1: When your friend shows you their new, massive fish tank, you could say: “Holy mackerel, that’s stunning!”
Example 2: If your coworker pulls off a surprising project win, you might say: “Holy mackerel, you did it!”

18. By golly

By golly is a cheerful, old-school phrase used to express surprise or excitement. It has a wholesome, enthusiastic tone, perfect for casual or nostalgic settings. It conveys a sense of delight or shock, making it great for reacting to surprising or joyful moments. Using “by golly” instead of “wow” adds a warm, traditional humor that feels friendly and approachable.

Example 1: When your sibling shows you their new, shiny drone, you could say: “By golly, that’s cool!”
Example 2: If your teammate reveals a bold new team strategy, you might say: “By golly, that’s smart!”

19. Well butter my biscuit

Well butter my biscuit is a quirky, Southern-inspired phrase used to express surprise or delight. It has a playful, exaggerated tone, perfect for casual settings. It conveys a sense of charmed astonishment, ideal for reacting to fun or unexpected moments. Using “well butter my biscuit” instead of “wow” adds a colorful, food-inspired humor that feels warm and unique.

Example 1: When your friend shows you their new, vibrant artwork, you could say: “Well butter my biscuit, that’s amazing!”
Example 2: If your colleague unveils a creative new ad campaign, you might say: “Well butter my biscuit, that’s clever!”

20. Shiver me timbers

Shiver me timbers is a theatrical, pirate-inspired phrase used to express surprise or amazement. With a bold, playful tone, it’s perfect for casual or geeky contexts. It conveys a sense of being stunned, making it great for reacting to surprising or dramatic moments. Using “shiver me timbers” instead of “wow” adds a nautical, swashbuckling humor that feels lively and fun.

Example 1: When your cousin shows you their new, pirate-themed room decor, you could say: “Shiver me timbers, that’s epic!”
Example 2: If your teammate reveals a surprising new project milestone, you might say: “Shiver me timbers, that’s huge!”

Conclusion

The words you’ve just learned are more than just words; they’re tools for a more witty and dynamic vocabulary. By mastering these Funny Ways to Say “Wow”, you can add humor and personality to every moment of surprise. Stop using generic language and start making your words memorable. Find more inspiration at Other Ways to Say.

Thomas Schneider

Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.