crikey

[ krahy-kee ]

interjection

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

crikey

/ ˈkraɪkɪ /

interjection

1. slang.
   an expression of surprise

Word History and Origins

Origin of crikey¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of crikey¹

C19: euphemistic for Christ!

Example Sentences

"The next morning I went home, and here I am, two hours later, writing this and sort of thinking, 'Crikey, that was close'," he said.

From BBC

Mr Delaney said the photograph - first published by Crikey - was "completely inconsistent" with his "values, beliefs, and family connections".

From BBC

"Implying that the Bondi Junction attacker's mental health diagnosis alone can explain why he decided to attack and murder multiple people is simplistic, offensive and damaging," journalist Elfy Scott - who has authored a book on complex mental health conditions - wrote in Crikey.

From BBC

With a distinctive nasal twang, the locals pepper their conversations with “crikey,” “sprog,” “yobbo,” “tinny,” “chunder,” “togs” and “hard yakka.”

From New York Times

For crikey’s sake: someone eavesdropped and taped Charles’ saucy phone calls with his then-mistress, Camilla; someone did the same with Diana’s phone calls with a rumored boyfriend.

From Los Angeles Times