crikey
Americaninterjection
interjection
Etymology
Origin of crikey
First recorded in 1830–40; probably euphemistic alteration of Christ
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s only now people are saying it that I’m thinking, “Oh, crikey, maybe it is a big deal.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
He urged anyone else in a similar position to take "whatever help you are offered, by crikey, take it because it really does help in the long run".
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2022
Myers added: "Life will never be the same and by crikey you appreciate everything a bit more. I often say to Lil, 'I'll never whinge again love'."
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2022
When I first saw him as a wicketkeeper, crikey, he was a goalkeeper.
From The Guardian • Feb. 22, 2013
It evidently wasn't pleasant. "—and the boss was 'oppin' mad," Arthmore was saying, "but, crikey, 'ow was I to know that auspice was spelled A-U-S-P-I-C-E?"
From The Penal Cluster by Garrett, Randall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
