Yikes
what it means
Milder than an argument, sharper than silence. "Yikes" registers disapproval without engaging, and "big yikes" scales it up.
An expression of alarm or disapproval at something poorly judged.
the origin story
An English interjection from the 1970s, revived as an internet reaction around 2018 for reacting to bad takes.
It became the standard response to a screenshot of something offensive, precisely because it conveys judgement while refusing to elaborate. "Big yikes" and "yikes on bikes" are the escalated forms.
in the wild
He said that in a work email.
Yikes.
They scheduled the meeting for 7am on a Monday.
Big yikes.
how to use it
- Registering disapproval without a full argument
- Reacting to bad decisions or takes
- Casual conversation
- When someone deserves an actual explanation
- Professionally
- About genuine tragedy
related terms
receipts
Community feedback
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