Yikes: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• '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!'

Pop Culture

• 'Yikes' gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly within comic strips and children’s 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.