What does yip mean?
Yip is an informal English word for a short, sharp cry, especially the sound made by a small dog. As a verb, it describes making that cry, whether in excitement, alarm, or pain. The word is particularly associated with the quick, high-pitched sound of small dogs, but people can yip too when startled or hurt. Yip is usually light in tone, although it can describe a genuinely painful cry. The related plural form "yips" has a more specialized meaning: to "get the yips" is to experience nervous tension, excitement, or involuntary twitches, a phrase especially common in reference to dogs. The word's imitative character makes it memorable: it sounds like the brief, piercing noise it names.
A short, sharp cry or yelp, especially one made by a small dog.
"A frightened puppy answered with a single yip."
Often affectionate or humorous when referring to a small dog; also used for a brief cry of pain or surprise.
To make a short, sharp cry, especially in pain, excitement, or alarm.
"The puppy yipped excitedly when its owner came through the gate."
Informal; the sound is usually brief and high-pitched.
The plural is standard when referring to several individual cries or to the nervous condition known as "the yips."
"The dog let out a series of yips behind the closed door."
One tiny, sharp syllable can carry a puppy's excitement, a person's cry of pain, or a whole nervous condition: the yips.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of yip
Yip is an English word formed in imitation of a short, sharp cry. It has been used since the early modern period for both the cry itself and the act of making it. The similarly expressive formation "yippee" developed from the same sound, although it is now more commonly used as an independent expression of delight. There is no clearly established group of exact cognates in other languages.
Related word forms
How yip is actually used
Yip is informal and often has a lively, slightly comic or affectionate tone when describing a small dog's cry. In the expression "get the yips," it refers to nervous excitement, irritability, or involuntary nervous reactions, especially in dogs.
Easily confused with yip
A yelp is a short, sharp cry, while a yelp is more specifically a dog's cry that is sustained or repeated and may suggest distress or excitement.
A yap is usually a rapid series of high-pitched barks or talk, whereas a yip is a single short, sharp cry.