upsy

9.9

A short word people say when they drop or spill something

interjection

: ups

When the child knocked over her cup, she giggled and exclaimed, 'upsy!'

Examples

Oh no, I spilled my drink! Upsy!
He dropped his keys and said, 'upsy!' as he bent to pick them up.
I accidentally deleted the file—upsy, I guess I'll have to start over.
He dropped the cake. Upsy!
When the toddler tripped and fell, she laughed and shouted, 'upsy!'
After I spilled my drink on the table, I shrugged and said, 'upsy!'
He accidentally dropped his toy and said, 'upsy!' with a smile.

Synonyms

oops

vsupsy

Informal

97 3.9

A short word people say after a small mistake or accident

focuses more on tiny accidental mishaps like spills or drops

oop

vsupsy

Informal

29 9.9

A small word you say after a mistake or accident

is more narrowly used for tiny physical accidents like dropping or spilling

whoops

vsupsy

Informal

16 7.4

A short word people say after a small mistake or accident

leans more toward tiny household mishaps rather than general surprises

oopsie

vsupsy

Informal

2 8.2

A short word said after a small mistake often used playfully

is equally informal but less playful and more specific to tiny mishaps

whoopsie

vsupsy

Informal

1 8.9

A short playful word people say after a small mistake

is equally informal but less playful and more specific to tiny mishaps

poopy

vsupsy

Baby Talk

1 9.4

A childish word people say to show mild annoyance

is used for small accidental mishaps rather than general childish annoyance

blooey

vsupsy

Slang

9.9

An exclamation said when something suddenly goes wrong

is milder and used for very small accidental slips rather than strong frustration

Surface Forms

upsy main

Etymology

Upsy comes from a playful children's phrase upsy-daisy, a saying people used when they lifted a child 'up' or after a small fall. A helpful way to remember it is to think of upsy as a softer cousin of oops, used as a light, friendly exclamation when something small goes wrong.