crimes

The word “crimes” means a mild exclamation of surprise, shock, or annoyance. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, mild exclamation, similar to "crikey.".

“Crimes” is pronounced krymz (/kɹaɪmz/ in IPA).

Here is “crimes” used in a sentence: “Crimes, I nearly missed the bus!”

“Crimes” is an intj.

“Crimes” is a fairly common word in modern English.

As an interjection, 'crimes!' is a mild cry of surprise, shock, or annoyance, much like 'crikey!' or 'good grief!' It expresses a quick emotional reaction rather than referring to actual wrongdoing. It is a softened, inoffensive exclamation, the kind of thing someone might blurt out when startled or exasperated.

It is thoroughly informal and conversational, belonging to casual speech rather than writing. Like other mild exclamations, it suits everyday, light-hearted situations and would look out of place in formal or professional contexts. It carries no offence, which is part of why people reach for it instead of stronger language.

Plenty of mild exclamations do the same job, such as 'crikey,' 'blimey,' 'good grief,' 'gosh,' 'yikes,' or 'goodness me.' All express surprise, shock, or mild frustration without being rude, so you can swap in whichever fits the tone and the region you are speaking in.