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lawks

lawks

9.9
A short old word people say to show surprise or mild worry
  • interjection
  • /lɔːks/
  • Archaic
translation icon : ¡vaya!
  • Lawks! I didn't expect to see you here!

Examples

  • In old novels, characters often cry out "lawks!" when something shocking happens.

  • When the cat jumped onto the table, she exclaimed, "lawks!" and nearly dropped her cup.

  • He opened the letter and said, "lawks, I never expected this news!"

  • Oh, lawks, that was quite a surprise!

  • When the cat jumped onto the table, she exclaimed, "lawks!" and nearly dropped her cup.

  • He opened the letter and said, "lawks, I never expected this news!"

  • Oh, lawks, that was quite a surprise!

Synonyms

eek
vslawks
  • Informal
5 9.6

A short cry of fear or surprise when something suddenly scares you

is older and denotes milder surprise rather than sudden fright
yike
vslawks
  • Informal
1 9.9

A short word people say to show surprise, discomfort, or embarrassment

is old-fashioned and used for milder surprise or slight alarm
zooks
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

An old exclamation used to show surprise

is used for milder surprise or slight alarm
whillikers
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

A word people used long ago to show surprise

is similar but signals milder, gentler alarm
jeepers
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

An old-fashioned word people say to show surprise

is an older form used for milder alarm instead of shock
gadzooks
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

An old-fashioned shout to show surprise or annoyance

focuses on milder alarm rather than annoyance or strength
zounds
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

An old word people say to show surprise or anger

leans toward mild alarm rather than anger or strong shock
swounds
vslawks
  • Archaic
9.9

An old word people say to show surprise, anger, or shock

is less intense and used for small, mild alarms
yipes
vslawks
  • Informal
9.9

A short cry of sudden surprise or fear

is old-fashioned and used for gentler surprise or mild alarm

Surface Forms

lawks main

Etymology

The word lawks is an old exclamation and a helpful way to remember it is to think of it as a polite form of Lord phrases like 'Lord's mercy', used to show surprise without saying God's name. So, lawks is a mild, old-fashioned cry of surprise or alarm.