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Meaning & use

shucks

interjection·Everydayinformalold-fashionedAmerican

Last updated

UK/ʃʌks/
US/ʃʌks/

Meanings

  1. interjectioninformalold-fashionedAmerican

    Used to show mild disappointment or annoyance when something small goes wrong.

    Grammar: Stands alone as a short reaction, usually at the start of a sentence: Shucks, I missed it.

    Patterns

    • Shucks, ...
    • Oh shucks, ...

    Shucks, I forgot to bring my umbrella and now it's pouring.

    Shucks, we just missed the last bus by a minute.

    Oh shucks, I spilled coffee on my new shirt.

  2. interjectioninformalold-fashionedAmerican

    Used to brush aside praise in a shy, modest way.

    Grammar: Often said with a small laugh after someone compliments you; it works like 'it was nothing'.

    Patterns

    • Aw, shucks
    • Shucks, it was nothing

    Aw, shucks, anyone could have done the same thing.

    Shucks, it was nothing — I was happy to help.

    She just smiled and said, 'Shucks, you're too kind.'

  3. interjectioninformalold-fashionedAmericanhumorous

    Used to show you feel a little embarrassed or caught out.

    Grammar: Said when you realize you have made a small mistake or been noticed doing something.

    Patterns

    • Shucks, I ...

    Shucks, you caught me eating the last cookie.

    Shucks, I thought nobody was watching.

    Shucks, I guess I said that out loud.

Common combinations

aw, shucks
Aw, shucks, you didn't have to get me a gift.
oh shucks
Oh shucks, the printer is jammed again.
shucks, I forgot
Shucks, I forgot to call him back.
shucks, it was nothing
Shucks, it was nothing — really, don't mention it.
say shucks
He's so polite he says 'shucks' every time you thank him.

Synonyms and how they differ

darn
A very close match in tone and use; 'darn' leans a little more toward annoyance, while 'shucks' sounds softer and more modest.
rats
Also shows mild disappointment, but it sounds more frustrated and is less likely to be used for shyness.
oh well
Shows you accept a small problem calmly; it does not carry the shy, folksy flavor that 'shucks' has.

Word family

shuck verb
To remove the outer covering from corn, oysters, etc.; the interjection comes from this word but is now a separate use.
shuck noun
The outer shell or husk of corn or an oyster.

Commonly confused: shucks or shock? shucks or shucks?

shucks vs shock

'Shock' is surprise or a sudden upset, and it is a much stronger word; 'shucks' is only mild and playful.

shucks vs shucks

Do not confuse the interjection with the plural of the noun 'shuck' (the husks of corn), which is pronounced the same.

Practice

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