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Yucky: meaning, definitions and examples

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yucky

 

[ ˈjʌki ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

taste or quality

The term 'yucky' is an informal and colloquial adjective used to describe something that is unpleasant, distasteful, or disgusting. It is often used by children or in casual conversation to express strong dislike towards food or other items. The term can also be applied to experiences or situations that are considered undesirable. 'Yucky' can indicate a strong emotional response, making it a colorful expression in everyday language.

Synonyms

disgusting, gross, nasty, repulsive, unpleasant

Examples of usage

  • This milk tastes yucky.
  • I think that broccoli is yucky!
  • The smell in the kitchen is really yucky.
  • That movie was just yucky.
  • Your shoes look yucky after that walk.

Translations

Translations of the word "yucky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nojento

🇮🇳 घिनौना

🇩🇪 ekelhaft

🇮🇩 menjijikkan

🇺🇦 мерзенний

🇵🇱 obrzydliwy

🇯🇵 不快な

🇫🇷 dégoûtant

🇪🇸 asqueroso

🇹🇷 iğrenç

🇰🇷 역겨운

🇸🇦 مثير للاشمئزاز

🇨🇿 odporný

🇸🇰 odporný

🇨🇳 恶心的

🇸🇮 odvraten

🇮🇸 ógeðfelldur

🇰🇿 жексіз

🇬🇪 სირცხვილი

🇦🇿 iyrənc

🇲🇽 asqueroso

Etymology

The word 'yucky' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century as a playful alteration of the word 'yuck,' which itself is an expression of disgust. The prefix 'yuck' likely comes from the Middle English word 'yuk,' which mimics the sound of gagging or revulsion. The transformation into 'yucky' reflects the English language's tendency to create informal, child-friendly expressions that convey specific emotions effectively. It became particularly popular in the second half of the 20th century, often used in children’s literature and education to describe foods that children might find unappetizing. As a result, 'yucky' has become a staple in casual dialogues among families and has expanded its usage to describe other forms of distaste beyond just food.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,964, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.