Yukked - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

The term 'yukked' is the past tense form of the verb 'yuk,' which is often used informally to express disdain or derision towards something, typically in a playful or lighthearted manner. It can also refer to laughing or joking, often at someone else's expense. In some contexts, it may imply an exaggerated reaction or mockery of a situation. Although it is not a formal term found in most dictionaries, it finds its usage in casual conversations and among certain groups.

Synonyms

laughed, mocked, sneered.

Examples of usage

He yukked at the silly prank.
They yukked about the ridiculous movie.
She yukked when he fell down.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In comedy scenes, characters often 'yukked it up' to emphasize their enjoyment or mock a situation.
The word is commonly found in stand-up comedy routines, showcasing exaggerated reactions to jokes.
Cartoon characters often display exaggerated yukked reactions to funny situations, reinforcing its humorous context.

Social Psychology

Laughter like yucking can strengthen social bonds, creating a shared sense of joy or amusement.
Humor triggers the release of endorphins, making yucking a natural way to enhance mood.
People often yucked louder in group settings, suggesting a crowd’s energy can amplify laughter.

Literature

Comic novels often portray characters yucking to highlight moments of absurdity or silliness.
The word is sometimes used in dialogue to represent a character’s unique personality or reaction.
Writers may depict yucking as a form of escape, symbolizing lightheartedness in contrast to serious themes.

Origin of 'yukked'

Main points about word origin

'Yukked' likely comes from the informal expression 'yuk,' which means 'to express disgust' or 'to laugh.'
The use of 'yuk' dates back to the 1930s, reflecting the playful nature of American slang.
Some sources suggest that 'yuk' could be onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of laughter.

The word 'yuk' is believed to be of onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the sound of a mocking laugh or derisive jeer. It gained popularity in informal and colloquial speech, particularly in the mid-20th century. The transition to 'yukked' as its past tense is a natural evolution of English verbs, where the formation of past tenses often involves the addition of 'ed' to the base form. Its usage is closely tied to the culture of humor and storytelling, particularly in contexts where lighthearted teasing or banter occurs. While not widely recognized in formal writing, it has found a niche in conversational English, especially among younger speakers and in playful contexts.

Yukked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations