yucky
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈʌki/
US
- /ˈjəki/
Description
- Disgusting
- Unpleasant
- Gross
- Icky
"Yucky" isn't a fancy word, but it's powerful. It describes something that makes you feel sick or disgusted—like the smell of old gym socks, a slimy worm, or broccoli if you really, really don't like it. Little kids use "yucky" a lot to express strong dislike! But even adults might describe a bad experience as "yucky"—maybe a yucky movie with too much gore, or a yucky feeling after eating something spoiled. It's all about that instant reaction of ickiness. Think of it as the opposite of yummy!
"Yucky" is an informal adjective used to describe something considered unpleasant, disgusting, or repulsive. While not a formal term you'd find in scientific writing, "yucky" carries a strong emotional weight; it's about feeling grossed out. It's often associated with childhood and expressing immediate dislike, but adults use it too when describing things that are simply unappealing.
The meaning of "yucky" is subjective; what one person finds yucky, another might not mind! For example, a child might declare spinach "yucky," while an adult appreciates its nutritional value. It can describe physical sensations—like the texture of something slimy or the smell of something rotten—but also abstract experiences. You could say a situation felt "yucky" if it made you uncomfortable or uneasy.
Unlike words like "disgusting" or "repulsive," "yucky" is often playful and lighthearted, even when describing something genuinely unpleasant. It's the kind of word you'd use to describe a messy art project with glitter glue gone wrong, rather than a serious health hazard. Think of it as a simple, direct way to express strong aversion—a little bit childish, but undeniably effective!
Examples
- 1
Taste
This cough medicine tastes really yucky.
Usage
yucky is informal and often used by children or when speaking to children
- 2
Smell
The trash can smells yucky if we forget to take it out.
- 3
Household mess
There was some yucky slime under the kitchen sink.
- 4
Dirty water
I don't want to swim there because the water looks yucky.
- 5
Movie content
A few parts of the movie were too yucky for my little brother to watch.
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- yuckyadjective
Forms
- yuckiercomparativeadjective
- yuckiestsuperlativeadjective