snakes
Snakes (intj) means an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise, shock, or alarm (short for "snakes alive!"). Example: “Snakes!" he cried when the lights suddenly went out.”
How to use snakes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn exclamation of surprise, like "good grief!" — a shortened version of "snakes alive!"
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____!" he cried when the lights suddenly went out.
Rhymes for snakes
See all rhymes for snakes →Frequently asked questions
What does “snakes” mean?
The word “snakes” means an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise, shock, or alarm (short for "snakes alive!"). In plain terms, an exclamation of surprise, like "good grief!" — a shortened version of "snakes alive!".
How do you pronounce “snakes”?
“Snakes” is pronounced snayks (/sneɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “snakes” in a sentence?
Here is “snakes” used in a sentence: “"Snakes!" he cried when the lights suddenly went out.”
What part of speech is “snakes”?
“Snakes” is an intj.
Is “snakes” a common word?
“Snakes” is a fairly common word in modern English.
When would someone say "snakes" as an exclamation?
"Snakes" (short for "snakes alive!") is an old-fashioned interjection expressing surprise, shock, or alarm. It is rarely heard in modern speech and mostly appears in older or period writing, similar in function to "goodness!" or "heavens!"
Is "snakes" as an exclamation still used today?
It is largely outdated and considered old-fashioned; most modern speakers would not use it and might not even recognize it as an exclamation. It survives mainly in older literature or as a deliberately quaint or humorous expression.
What is the origin of "snakes" used as an interjection?
It comes from the longer phrase "snakes alive!", an exclamation of surprise or alarm that has since been shortened in casual usage. It functions purely as an emotional outburst rather than referring to actual snakes.