Yikes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
yikes
[jaษชks ]
Definition
surprise, concern
Yikes is an informal exclamation used to express surprise, alarm, or concern. It is often used in casual conversations to convey a sense of discomfort or realization of an unpleasant situation.
Synonyms
oh no, oops, wow.
Examples of usage
- Yikes! That was a close call.
- Yikes! I forgot about the meeting.
- Yikes! That price is outrageous!
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- 'Yikes' gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly within comic strips and childrenโs media.
- It has been featured in numerous TV shows, often used by characters to express shock or fright.
- The phrase 'yikes!' has been humorously associated with internet memes to represent awkward or cringe moments.
Psychology
- Using exclamations like 'yikes' can be a way to release tension and communicate surprise in social situations.
- Expressions of surprise or fear can trigger sympathetic nervous system responses, causing a person to feel physical changes such as increased heart rate.
- Research in emotional communication shows that vocal expressions can often convey feelings even without context, making words like 'yikes' universally understandable.
Literature
- 'Yikes' often appears in children's books and comic literature to convey surprise in a playful tone.
- Writers may use this exclamation to break tension, giving readers a moment to laugh after a scary or intense scene.
- This word is a great tool for character dialogue, adding authenticity to characters in high-stress or surprising situations.
Origin of 'yikes'
Main points about word origin
- 'Yikes' is an exclamation that likely originated in the early 20th century.
- The first recorded use of 'yikes' in print appeared in a cartoon in 'The New Yorker' in 1934.
- It is thought to be an imitation of a startled sound, similar to 'yikes' or 'yikes-a-mundo!'
The word 'yikes' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, first appearing in print in the 1950s. It is an onomatopoeic expression, designed to convey a sense of panic or alarm. Its roots can be traced back to earlier expressions of fear or surprise, and over the decades, 'yikes' has evolved into a frequently used term in spoken English, particularly among younger generations. The playful and informal nature of 'yikes' makes it a popular choice for expressing lighthearted exasperation or worry, often in reaction to ridiculous or shocking situations. Its versatile usage in both spoken and written contexts showcases its enduring presence in contemporary vernacular.