yikes

[ yahyks ]

interjection

1. (an exclamation of surprise or alarm.)

yikes

/ ˈjaiks /

interjection

1. informal.
   an expression of surprise, fear, or alarm

Word History and Origins

Origin of yikes¹

First recorded in 1940–45; possibly from yoicks

Example Sentences

I did a little research and now, I mean, yikes, he's the guy that's okay with letting schools forcibly pin down autistic kids.

From The Daily Beast

And could he—yikes—actually be not just inconvenienced but actually ill?

From The Daily Beast

In the same episode, by the way, MacKenzie and Sloan “bond” over their shared manicurist—YIKES!

From The Daily Beast

Yite I yikes, and boo I yikes; and my dear papa be so very angy, when I tells him all about it.'

From Project Gutenberg

“Totty yikes oogar,” said the sticky cause of the mischief, in treacly tones.

From Project Gutenberg

Geo had only gotten half clear of the entrance when he yelled, "Yikes," and then, "Duck!"

From Project Gutenberg