What Does "Yikes" Mean?

"Yikes" is an informal term that is often used to express surprise, dismay, or alarm. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when something unexpected happens or when someone says or does something that is surprising or disturbing.

For example, if you were to hear some unexpected news, you might exclaim "yikes!" to convey your surprise and perhaps even a bit of alarm. Similarly, if someone did something that was unexpected or out of the ordinary, you might say "yikes" to express your reaction.

The term "yikes" is often used in informal settings, such as when chatting with friends or family members, and it is generally considered to be a more casual and playful way of expressing surprise or alarm than more formal terms like "gasp" or "shock."