yikes
Yikes (intj) means an exclamation of shock, alarm, or dismay. Example: “Yikes, I completely forgot about the meeting!”
How to use yikes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual way of expressing surprise or "uh-oh".
Informal and conversational.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, I completely forgot about the meeting!
Etymology
First recorded in the mid-20th century; likely descended from older hunting exclamations like "yoicks", used to spur on hounds, with the meaning shifting over time into a general cry of alarm.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for yikes
See all rhymes for yikes →Frequently asked questions
What does “yikes” mean?
The word “yikes” means an exclamation of shock, alarm, or dismay. In plain terms, a casual way of expressing surprise or "uh-oh".
How do you pronounce “yikes”?
“Yikes” is pronounced yyks (/jaɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “yikes” in a sentence?
Here is “yikes” used in a sentence: “Yikes, I completely forgot about the meeting!”
What is another word for “yikes”?
Words with a similar meaning to “yikes” include wow.
What part of speech is “yikes”?
“Yikes” is an intj.
Where does the word “yikes” come from?
The word “yikes” dates back to around 1900. First recorded in the mid-20th century; likely descended from older hunting exclamations like "yoicks", used to spur on hounds, with the meaning shifting over time into a general cry of alarm.
Is “yikes” a common word?
“Yikes” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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