crikey

[ krahy-kee ]

/ ˈkraɪ ki /

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Definition of crikey

interjection

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

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Origin of crikey

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

Words nearby crikey

cricopharyngeal, cri de coeur, cri du chat, cried, crier, crikey, Crile, crim., crim. con., crime, Crimea

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use crikey in a sentence

Crikey, you should 'a seen 'im come a cropper on his nut down them new steps.
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 100., February 7, 1891|Various
Then suddenly the true truth of what he had forgotten to do came home to Robert, and he said "Oh, crikey!"
The Strand Magazine, Volume XXVII, January 1904, No. 157|Various
Crikey, you'd look mighty fine stuck up against a wall with half a dozen bloomin' Prussian rifles looking at yer.
Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons|Henry Charles Mahoney
Crikey, but I'd like to hear the old gal squeal when they tell her her bloomin' hippo's got took.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 108, January 26, 1895|Various

Then suddenly the true truth of what he had forgotten to do came home to Robert, and he said, 'Oh, crikey!'
The Phoenix and the Carpet|E. Nesbit

British Dictionary definitions for crikey

crikey

/ (ˈkraɪkɪ) /

interjection

slang an expression of surprise

Word Origin for crikey

C19: euphemistic for Christ!

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