Teen Slang · Social & friendship

What does “Big yikes” mean?

An intensified 'yikes' for something very embarrassing or cringeworthy. 'He texted that? Big yikes.'

Where “Big yikes” comes from

'Yikes' amplified on Twitter and TikTok in the late 2010s.

Why teens actually say it

Expresses secondhand embarrassment or disapproval with humor.

What it means for you as a parent

Benign reaction slang.

How it’s used

  • “He texted his ex that? Big yikes.” Cringing hard at something embarrassing. Secondhand discomfort.
  • “I called the teacher ‘mom,’ big yikes.” Owning a mortifying moment. Laughing through the cringe.

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