yucky

American  

[yuhk-ee] / ˈyʌk i /

adjective

Slang.

yuckier, yuckiest

1. thoroughly unappetizing, disgusting, or repugnant.

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yucky British  

/ ˈjʌkɪ /

adjective

1. slang disgusting; sickening; nasty

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Usage

What does yucky mean? Yucky is a very informal adjective meaning gross, disgusting, or unappetizing.It’s based on yuck, which is an informal word you say when you think something is gross or disgusting. Yuck is an interjection, which is a term used to express an emotion or indicate how you feel about something, typically outside of a sentence.Yucky is primarily used to describe foods that you think are particularly disgusting or unappetizing. It can be used upon actually tasting something or simply upon looking at it, smelling, or maybe even feeling it—you could describe a food as yucky if it feels slimy, for example.Yucky is also sometimes used to describe other things considered disgusting, such as something filthy or unpleasant weather, as in The humidity is making it really yucky outside. It can also mean just plain bad, as in My day was yucky. Yucky is associated with its use by children and is often thought of as a childish word. (While yuck is often used by children, especially those refusing to eat their vegetables, it’s commonly used in many ways that don’t sound childish.)The word yummy can be thought of as the opposite of yucky, especially in response to food. It’s based on yum, an interjection used to indicate that you think something is delicious or looks appetizing (yum is often thought of as the opposite of yuck). Like yucky, yummy can also be used in contexts other than food, such as to express that something is appealing.Example: I’d rather eat my own socks than have even one bite of that yucky broccoli. 

Etymology

Origin of yucky

First recorded in 1965–70; yuck + -y ¹

Example Sentences

You might as well tell Baltimore that Brooks Robinson was shaky at third and Old Bay on crabs is yucky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

It’s tempting to turn away and be spared the yucky details.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2024

“As yucky as this game was, I think we will look back at what has transpired the last 75 days with great memories,” coach Buzz Williams said.

From Washington Times • Mar. 17, 2023

Koncilya Romero skips yucky face paint, and uses regular makeup with a little water instead.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2022

I also remembered what he said about hag skins—there was no way I could forget something so yucky.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce