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DictionarycrikeySurprise
interjection

crikey

KRY-kee/ˈkraɪki/

Expresses surprise or amazement.

Crikey, those slices of toast are flying right out of the toaster!

A man recoils in startled surprise as two slices of toast spring unexpectedly high from a toaster, his mouth open in a spontaneous exclamation.
Etymology
crikeyEnglishChrist, used as an exclamation

Christ was used as a strong exclamation of surprise or dismay. Crikey probably arose as a substitute for that name, retaining its expressive use.

In context

Jordan Newitt106:28
by george by jim and by crikey this is a coincidence
Toy Story 4 Failed its Characters

More examples

  • Crikey, I almost missed the last train!
  • Crikey, how do you solve that puzzle so quickly?
  • Crikey, that's an expensive sandwich!

Similar words

wow
More common in American English, especially for impressed amazement.
gee
Often expresses milder surprise and can also signal disappointment.