yonks

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English

Etymology

Unknown. First seen in print around 1960. One theory is that it comes from donkey's years; another is that it is an acronym from years, months, weeks.


Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 159: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value UK is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /jɒŋks/
  • Audio (AU):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɒŋks

Noun

Template:en-plural noun

  1. (UK, Australia, New Zealand) A long time (especially a longer time than expected); ages
    1968 August 27, Christopher Ward, “The Christopher Ward Page”, in Daily Mirror, London, page 7:
    I rang singer Julie Driscoll ... She said: "I haven't heard from you for yonks..."
    1975 January 28, Bill Stewart, “Comic Cuts”, in Evening Chronicle, number 30393, Newcastle, page 7:
    Alas, the comics for that age group have nearly all picture stories today -- and of course the ones for younger readers have been that way for yonks (sorry, years).
    Haven’t seen him in yonks!
    I’ve been a teacher for yonks—I should really try another career.
    This egg is taking yonks to boil.

Usage notes

Common in many English-speaking countries but not those of North America, where it is generally unknown.

Anagrams