criminy

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence to illustrate The word 'criminy' is not a recognized word in English and should not be used in formal written English.
It is an informal term typically used to express surprise, shock, or dismay. For example: Criminy! That final exam was much harder than I thought it would be.

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Has this left me any the wiser about just what in criminy is going on with our nation's energy policy?

Independent

Or does he perhaps have some hilarious bits about how, criminy, those Yank lads sure do wear an awful lot of padding?

The Guardian - Sport

9 22: Criminy, it's the Dance of A Million Platitudes.

The Economist

Criminy; is there no other family dynamic available for exploration out there in animated-movie land?

The New York Times

GOAL! Santos 0-3 Barcelona (Fabregas 45) Criminy, even the Charity Shield is usually more competitive than this.

The Guardian - Sport

"Criminy," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "criminy", consider the degree of surprise or annoyance you want to convey. It is a mild oath, so it's suitable for situations that warrant a moderate reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "criminy" in academic papers, business reports, or any professional correspondence. Opt for more formal expressions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "criminy" is as an interjection. It's used to express a sudden emotion, such as surprise or annoyance. As Ludwig AI shows, it often stands alone or begins a sentence to convey a feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criminy" is an informal interjection used to express mild surprise or annoyance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it's best suited for casual contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears primarily in News & Media and Sport, with very little appearance in academic or formal writing. If you're aiming for a professional tone, consider alternatives such as "good heavens" or "good grief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good heavens

Expresses surprise or shock, similar to "criminy" but slightly more formal.

good grief

Indicates dismay or frustration, sharing a negative connotation with "criminy".

holy cow

An exclamation of surprise, comparable in informality and impact to "criminy".

gee whiz

Expresses mild surprise or enthusiasm, similar in tone to "criminy".

gosh

A mild expression of surprise or annoyance, less intense than "criminy".

oh my goodness

Indicates surprise or concern, offering a slightly more polite alternative to "criminy".

well I never

Expresses astonishment or disbelief, carrying a similar tone of surprise as "criminy".

dear me

Shows concern or mild surprise, providing a more subdued alternative to "criminy".

holy moly

Expresses surprise or excitement, sharing a colloquial feel with "criminy".

by golly

An exclamation of surprise or emphasis, somewhat old-fashioned but similar in function to "criminy".

FAQs

How can I use "criminy" in a sentence?

"Criminy" is typically used as an interjection to express surprise, shock, or mild annoyance. For example, you might say, "Criminy! I forgot my keys."

What's a more formal alternative to "criminy"?

If you need a more formal expression, consider using "good heavens", "good grief", or "dear me" depending on the context.

Is "criminy" appropriate for all audiences?

No, "criminy" is an informal expression and may not be suitable for formal or professional settings. Consider your audience and the desired tone before using it.

What does "criminy" actually mean?

"Criminy" is a minced oath, a softened or euphemistic form of a stronger expression. It's used to express surprise or annoyance without being offensive.