What it means
Means ages, absolutely forever, or just a properly long stretch of time. You use it when something hasn't happened in so long it feels dusty round the edges. It's vague on purpose, so it could mean months or years, but it always lands with a bit of cheek and drama.
Usage examples
"Haven’t been to that curry house in yonks, mate. Fancy a proper Friday feed? I’ll ring up and book us a table for eight."
"I haven't seen Dave in yonks, last time we spoke he still had hair and a fast car."
"This milk's been in the fridge for yonks, I'm not brave enough to even open it."
"Blimey, I haven't worn that jacket in yonks and there's still a bus ticket in the pocket."
"We haven't had a proper catch-up in yonks, you still working at that same pub or what?"
Voice comments
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Where it comes from
British slang through and through. Yonks has been kicking about since the early 20th century in UK and Australian English, meaning a very long time. It often turns up in yonks ago too. The exact deeper root isn't nailed down for sure, but the word itself is old, real, and properly established in everyday speech.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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