yuk
LowInformal, Colloquial
Definition
Meaning
An exclamation expressing disgust or strong distaste.
Also used informally as a verb meaning to laugh heartily, though this is more commonly spelled 'yuck'. As a noun, it can refer to a repulsive substance or thing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an interjection. As a verb/noun, it is strongly tied to informal spoken language and onomatopoeia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As an interjection ('Yuk!'), usage is similar. The verb/noun form spelled 'yuk' is very rare in both varieties; 'yuck' (for the exclamation and noun meaning 'something disgusting') is far more common and standard.
Connotations
Childlike, exaggerated. More likely used for comedic or emphatic effect than serious disgust.
Frequency
The interjection is low-frequency; the verb/noun is extremely rare.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Interjection: Yuk! [at something]Verb (rare): to yuk (it up)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “yuk it up (informal): to laugh loudly or act in a boisterously jovial manner.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Informal exclamation among friends or family, especially children.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The comedians yukked it up for the camera.
- Don't just yuk at the idea, give it a try.
American English
- They yukked it up all night long.
- He yukked loudly at the terrible joke.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- That's a bit yuk, isn't it? (informal/non-standard)
- I'm not eating that, it looks yuk.
American English
- This medicine tastes yuk. (informal/non-standard)
- The whole situation felt yuk.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Yuk! I don't like spinach.
- The milk smells yuk.
- She said 'yuk' when she saw the mouldy bread.
- The thought of eating insects makes me go 'yuk'.
- Despite the yuk factor, the documentary was fascinating.
- He tends to yuk it up when he's nervous.
- Their attempts at humour were met with a chorus of 'yuks' from the unimpressed audience.
- The politician tried to yuk it up with the crowd, but his discomfort was evident.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word sounds like the noise you make when you taste something bad: 'YUK!'
Conceptual Metaphor
DISGUST IS A REJECTION NOISE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'юг' (south). It is a sound, not a geographical term.
- The informal verb 'to yuk' (laugh) is not common; don't force this usage.
Common Mistakes
- Overusing it in formal contexts.
- Confusing spelling with 'yuck' (more standard).
- Attempting to use it as a standard adjective (e.g., 'a yuk smell' is non-standard; use 'a yucky smell').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'yuk' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily as an informal interjection expressing disgust. It is in major dictionaries.
'Yuck' is the far more common and standard spelling for the exclamation and the noun meaning 'something disgusting'. 'Yuk' is a variant spelling, sometimes used for the informal verb meaning 'to laugh'.
No. It is strictly informal and colloquial. Use formal alternatives like 'disgusting', 'repellent', or 'unappealing'.
'Yucky' is the standard informal adjective (e.g., 'yucky food'). 'Yukky' is a less common variant.