yoicks

American  

[yoiks] / yɔɪks /

interjection

1. Fox Hunting. (used as a cry by the huntsman to encourage the hounds.)

2. (used as a cry of high spirits or encouragement.)

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yoicks British  

/ jɔɪks, haɪk /

interjection

1. a cry used by huntsmen to urge on the hounds to the fox

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Etymology

Origin of yoicks

First recorded in 1765–75; compare earlier hoick(s) < ?

Example Sentences

He ordered the most expensive Champagne, shouted “Yoicks” on the dance floor, and was on backslapping terms with Herr von Joel, the German-born vendor who whistled and made barnyard noises as he sold cigars at Evans’s Supper Rooms.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Yoicks, what!” cried King Pellinore, waving his lance in the air, and swaying excitedly in the saddle.

From Literature

Yoicks! our whipper-in goes faster, helter-skelter day and night, Till dark citadel is sighted, wall-encircled, likewise moat.

From Project Gutenberg

On then, ye cymbals, with your din; Scream clarionets, and bugles ring: Crash, crash, crash! 'tis the fiend-world's knell, Yoicks forward—forward—home to hell!

From Project Gutenberg

Yoicks, yō′iks, interj. an old fox-hunting cry.—v.t.

From Project Gutenberg