Crikey

/ˈkraɪki/ interjection

Definition

An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or mild alarm, commonly used in British and Australian English.

Etymology

A euphemism for 'Christ' or 'Christ Almighty,' altered through sound-change to avoid blasphemy. It emerged in British slang in the 1800s and became especially popular in Australian English.

Kelly Says

'Crikey' is essentially a sneaky way to use a religious exclamation without actually saying it—a 19th-century version of modern censoring! Steve Irwin made it famous worldwide, turning an old British mild oath into a symbol of Australian wildlife adventures.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.