crikey

American

[krahy-kee] / ˈkraɪ ki /

interjection

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

crikey British

/ ˈkraɪkɪ /

interjection

slang an expression of surprise

"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

Etymology

Origin of crikey

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“But the red rubber hose and a good marriage? Crikey. And Fleetwood ‘in a few days’ time?’

From Literature

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023