Word
shucks
US/ˈʃəks/
UK/ʃˈʌks/
Definition
interj. a soft, friendly way to show small disappointment or shy thanks when someone praises you.
interj. expresses mild disappointment, embarrassment, or modest thanks, especially after praise or a minor setback.
Examples
“Shucks, I leave my umbrella at home.”
“Shucks, I missed the last train, so I will wait for the morning bus.”
“Shucks, he mutters with a shy smile when the award committee praises his decades of quiet volunteer work.”
Examples
simple
“Shucks, I leave my umbrella at home.”
contextual
“Shucks, I missed the last train, so I will wait for the morning bus.”
complex
“Shucks, he mutters with a shy smile when the award committee praises his decades of quiet volunteer work.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “shucks” in context.
Verb
01. mutter shucks
“She muttered shucks when she realized she had missed the bus.”
verb + interj
02. say shucks
“He just smiled and said shucks when we praised his cooking.”
verb + interj
03. aw shucks, thanks
“Aw shucks, thanks! Do you really think my drawing is good?”
04. aw shucks, you shouldn't have
“Aw shucks, you shouldn't have bought me flowers!”
05. oh shucks, i forgot
“Oh shucks, I forgot to bring your book back today.”
06. well shucks, that's kind
“Well shucks, that's really kind of you to say.”
Etymology
From shuck (“something valueless”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/shucks