Holy cow! Tharoor got it wrong!

In the controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor’s twitter message, many opinions have been expressed and many have taken strong positions, one way or other. His expression, “holy cows”, some felt, was directed at Sonia Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders.

Prof V.R.Narayanaswamy, who writes a column in The Mint, points out that the use of the phrase ‘holy cow’ was wrong, for a different reason. Tharoor mixed up the phrases “sacred cows” and ‘holy cows’.

“Sacred cow” has its origin in India. It alludes to the veneration for the cow among the Hindus. Kamadhenu, often known as the cow of plenty, grants the wishes of her worshippers. Raja Rao’s short story, Cow of the Barricades, presents the cow as a symbol of Mother India; the cow, Gauri, gives up her own life to avert a conflict between two groups. “Sacred cow” in its metaphorical sense is dated around 1910 and refers to any institution or organization that is above criticism. “Holy cow” as commonly used does not stand for any concept. It is an exclamation of astonishment, delight or dismay. It became popular with its frequent use in the TV film series featuring Batman and his aide Robin. There are several similar oaths, such as holy smoke, holy Moses, holy moley, holy mackerel.