zooks
- interjection
- /zuːks/
- Archaic
- Zooks! I can't believe you did that!
Examples
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The old novel was full of expressions like zooks and egad.
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Zooks, that was an incredible performance!
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Zooks! I did not expect to see you here.
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He shouted zooks when he heard the astonishing news.
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Zooks! I can't believe you did that!
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He shouted zooks when he heard the astonishing news.
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Zooks, that was an incredible performance!
Synonyms
5
9.6
A short cry of fear or surprise when something suddenly scares you
4
9.5
A short word people say when they are surprised or shocked
An old word that people say to show surprise or strong feeling
An old word people say to show surprise or strong feeling
An old word people say to show surprise or anger
A word people used long ago to show surprise
An old-fashioned shout to show surprise or annoyance
An old word people say to show surprise, anger, or shock
An old-fashioned word people say to show surprise
A short old word people say to show surprise or mild worry
A short angry or surprised cry used instead of a strong bad word
How Surprised
Surface Forms
Etymology
Zooks is an old, mild exclamation that probably came from older oaths like zounds, which itself comes from the phrase 'God's wounds'. A helpful way to remember zooks is to think of it as a softened, polite shout of surprise, which is why people use it to show astonishment.