crikey

American  

[krahy-kee] / ˈkraɪ ki /

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation of surprise, amazement, dismay, etc.)

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crikey British  

/ ˈkraɪkɪ /

interjection

1. slang an expression of surprise

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Etymology

Origin of crikey

First recorded in 1830–40; probably euphemistic alteration of Christ

Example Sentences

Steve Irwin wowed audiences as the “Crocodile Hunter,” his TV persona with the notable catchword “Crikey!” and who had an enthusiasm for wildlife, often wrangling or hovering dangerously close to reptiles in his signature khaki shorts and chest-bearing shirts.

From Los Angeles Times

If you're the fielding team and have been out there for a few overs, then you see someone like Will Jacks coming in at number eight, you think 'crikey, we've got to go again here'.

From BBC

“A bakery? Crikey! Sure, lady, take the dandy-horse. Ain’t mine anyhow.”

From Literature

"I opened a door and facing me on the wall was a big poster-sized print. I made some remark about 'oh crikey you guys are taking this thing seriously now' and we got talking and they produced prints of the other six," he says.

From BBC

"We want them along for the ride, particularly in the next few series, which could be quite amazing. We want people to look back and say, 'Crikey, that team in the mid-2020s was a hell of a team that we loved following, and we felt as if we were a part of that journey they went on.'"

From BBC