yonkers
LowInformal, Humorous, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A chiefly US informal and humorous term for the buttocks or the posterior.
Used as a lighthearted, slightly old-fashioned or euphemistic reference to one's rear end, often implying a humorous or self-deprecating tone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has a playful, non-vulgar connotation. It is not typically used in serious contexts. Its usage is declining and may sound quaint or deliberately old-fashioned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American term. In British English, it is extremely rare and would likely be perceived as a quirky Americanism.
Connotations
In American English, it is a humorous, family-friendly euphemism. In British English, it is largely unknown or associated with American media.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both variants, but marginally higher in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Possessive + yonkers (e.g., my yonkers)Verb + Prep + yonkers (e.g., fell on his yonkers)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a pain in the yonkers (annoyance or nuisance)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Rarely used, only in specific humorous or informal contexts among friends or family.
Technical
Never used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Ouch! I fell on my yonkers!
- After that long hike, my yonkers are really sore.
- He told the kid to get off his phone and go play outside before he glued his yonkers to that chair.
- The comedian's old-fashioned bit about his aching yonkers got a surprising chuckle from the young crowd.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "Yonkers" the city in New York, but imagine sitting on it. "My YONKERS are parked on the chair."
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A LOCATION (for sitting).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "янки" (Yankees). There is no direct Russian equivalent; using "задница" is too direct/vulgar, while "попа" or "пятая точка" are closer in playful register.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common, current term.
- Using it as a singular noun ("a yonker") - it is almost always plural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'yonkers' be MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not rude. It's a humorous, mild euphemism considered suitable for general audiences, though it is very informal.
Yes, primarily. The city of Yonkers, NY, is the standard meaning. The informal body part meaning is a separate, derived usage.
No, its usage for 'buttocks' is quite low and has an old-fashioned, almost nostalgic feel to it.
'Yonkers' is purely humorous and euphemistic. 'Buttocks' is standard/medical, and 'butt' is casual but more common and direct than 'yonkers'.