yikes

Hi,
I wonder how common this expression of surprise, fear, or alarm is and who it’s mostly used by – men, women, children, young, elderly etc. Please give some examples if you can.

Thanks.

Scooby: "Watch thet villain!"
Shaggy: "Yikes!"

Not many people use that expression anymore (at least in the United States).

I thought Shaggy said "zoiks!" or something to that effect.

This expression has found its way into common usage with college students... Although not nearly as common as "like" (what is, though?) and slightly less common than "wow."

"Do you like my new bright yellow sweater?" "Yikes..."

It's used relatively frequently in the US (at least in Southern California where I did my undergrad, I can't speak for Louisiana, but I'm sure they say it around here too).

Not used in Britain?

Shaggy says "zoinks".

well, somebody says "yikes" on that show; Velma or Fred?

So do college age Americans.

Thanks, folks.
Only college age Americans, then.

Velma says "Jinkies"

Dalphnie may say Yikes
I do

I'm not sure that you can generalize that to all college-age Americans though. I don't think I've ever heard it from any of my peers.

Nowadays people say 'oh my god'.

Or just 'shit'.

Yikes, that sounds pretty hard = Shit, that sounds pretty hard

That's ugly. Yikes! = That's ugly. Shit!

No young person will be offended. If they are then they're the kind of person you shouldn't be talking to.

Is "yikes" of the same register as "shit"?
Yes, "shit" is widespread, and those who utter it can't help being stained by it.

No, there is nothing vulgar about "yikes".