yoink

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/jɔɪŋk/
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A swift, playful snatch, a sharp pulling sound, or a light hop, used chiefly in informal contexts.

Examples

  • The fishing line yoinked as the fish took the bait.
  • The kid yoinked the candy from the table.
  • He yoinked over the puddle with a playful leap.
  • She yoinked up the hill like a springy toy.
  • The elastic band yoinked back after being stretched.

Similar words

bound
snap
whip
grab
skip
pilfer
thwack
crack
snatch
clack

Meanings

Quickly grab or take something

verb
everyday
informal
To snatch something in a sudden, often humorous way.

Examples

  • She yoinked the last slice of pizza before anyone could notice.
  • He yoinked my pen and vanished.
  • The kid yoinked the candy from the table.
  • During the game, I yoinked the power‑up and scored.
  • They yoinked the spotlight with a surprise entrance.
  • I yoinked the remote before the commercial break.
  • The cat yoinked the toy mouse and ran away.

Similar words

Onomatopoeic yank sound

verb
sound
neutral
To make a sharp pulling sound, often described as a yoink.

Examples

  • The fishing line yoinked as the fish took the bait.
  • When the trap closed, it yoinked with a metallic clang.
  • The elastic band yoinked back after being stretched.
  • The toy gun yoinked a tiny sound when fired.
  • The drawer yoinked open with a sudden snap.
  • The rope yoinked loudly as it was pulled taut.
  • The old hinge yoinked each time the door moved.

Similar words

Hop or bounce

verb
slang
informal
To hop or bounce lightly, often used humorously.

Examples

  • The kitten yoinked onto the windowsill in a single bound.
  • He yoinked over the puddle with a playful leap.
  • The dancer yoinked across the stage, surprising the audience.
  • She yoinked up the hill like a springy toy.
  • The frog yoinked from one lily pad to another.
  • Kids yoinked around the playground during recess.
  • The robot yoinked forward after the command.

Similar words

Etymology

First recorded in 1954 as an onomatopoeic verb, later spread through cartoons and internet slang.

FAQ

What does yoink mean?

Yoink is an informal verb meaning to snatch something quickly, to describe a sharp pulling sound, or to hop lightly.

Can yoink be used as a noun?

Yoink is primarily a verb; using it as a noun is not standard.

Is yoink appropriate in formal writing?

Yoink is informal slang, so it is best avoided in formal contexts.

Where did yoink originate?

Yoink first appeared in the 1950s as an onomatopoeic term and later spread through cartoons and internet culture.

How do you conjugate yoink in the past tense?

Yoink forms its past tense as yoinked.

Can yoink describe a sound?

Yoink can be used to describe a sharp pulling or snapping sound.

Is yoink related to the word yank?

Yoink shares the idea of a sudden pull with yank, but it adds a playful or humorous tone.

What are some synonyms for yoink?

Synonyms include snatch, grab, nab, swipe, pilfer, snag, and seize.

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