What does yuck mean?
“Yuck” is an informal English word used to show that something is disgusting, nauseating, or intensely unpleasant. As an interjection, it is usually spoken when encountering something distasteful: “Yuck, that smells awful.” As a noun, it can refer to an unpleasant substance, object, or situation, as in “What a yuck!” The word is conversational and emotive, so it is more natural in speech and casual writing than in formal reports. It is especially associated with reactions to food, dirt, insects, odors, and other unpleasant physical sensations, although it can also express figurative disgust toward an experience or situation. “Yucky” is a related adjective meaning unpleasant or disgusting. Although the word conveys strong feeling, it remains broadly understandable in both British and American English and is not limited to a particular regional dialect.
An informal exclamation expressing disgust, nausea, or strong dislike.
"“Yuck!” he said when he saw the green colour of the soup."
Usually spoken with a sharp or emphatic tone; it may also appear in informal writing.
An unpleasant, disgusting, or objectionable substance, thing, or situation.
"There was a thick layer of green yuck on the plate."
Informal and commonly used in phrases such as “what a yuck.” The plural is uncommon.
Usually singular, especially when referring to a disgusting substance or situation; the plural is uncommon.
"The children complained that the leftovers were yucks."
Yuck is the everyday sound for the moment when food, mud, or a situation goes from merely unpleasant to absolutely unbearable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yuck come from?
Yuck is a 20th-century English expressive word. Its precise origin is uncertain, but it is generally treated as an imitative formation associated with the sound of disgust rather than as a borrowing with a securely documented source. Over time, it developed into both an interjection and an informal noun.
Related word forms
How yuck is actually used
Yuck is informal and expressive rather than formal or neutral. It is especially common in everyday speech and informal writing, where its intensity can range from mild distaste to open disgust.