aw-shucks
[ aw-shuhks ]
/ ˈɔˈʃʌks /
adjective Informal.
characterized by a shy, embarrassed, often provincial manner.
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Origin of aw-shucks
First recorded in 1930–35
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use aw-shucks in a sentence
Chris Stein of Blondie catches Ramone with an “aw, shucks” expression just after he drops a plate of food.
Aw has woven an impressive and contemporary human tapestry of a country that Western audiences would do well to better understand.
Five Star Billionaire By Tash Aw A collection of characters all trying to ride the tide of wealth in new China.
We make the sound AW when we see kittens sneeze, or when lumberjacks insensitively AX stately trees.
But he operates in a mode as old as American letters—aw-shucks credulity mixed with an observant intelligence.
The spelling is conformed to that of the preceding poems; the alterations though numerous are slight; as y for i, au for aw, &c.
But Jim scoffed at this statement, declaring that hay kept as long as Skyrie had been closed wouldn't be "wuth shucks."
"Aw, shut up," said Big Sid with a disgusted glance over his thick shoulder.
The dance began; the performers furnished their own music; each rolled out a deep aw aw aw under his visor.
Accordingly we were conducted thither and put to bed upon a pile of corn-shucks high up under the roof.
British Dictionary definitions for aw-shucks
adjective (prenominal)
seeming to be modest, self-deprecating, or shydon't be fooled by his aw-shucks attitude
Word Origin for aw-shucks
C20: from the US interjection aw shucks, an expression of modesty or diffidence
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012