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

  • (UK) IPA(key): /jɒŋks/
  • Rhymes: -ɒŋks

Noun

yonks pl (plural only)

  1. (Britain, Australia, New Zealand) A long time (especially a longer time than expected); ages
    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

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