yonks
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 290: 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
- (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.