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yonks

(slang, UK, Irish, Commonwealth) A long time (especially a longer time than expected); ages.

jɒŋksDocumented since 1960s1960sBoomerhistoricalCurrent145 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
1 definition
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Seen in the wild
4 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1960 · 1 year of recorded use
1960Born2026: 4 citationsToday, 2026
Boomer / counterculture eraSee decade cohort →

Seen in the wild

Definitions

#1·Apr 27, 2026

(slang, UK, Irish, Commonwealth) A long time (especially a longer time than expected); ages.

See it in action
  • “We've had an affiliate program for yonks...”

  • “Would be keen to hear from you if you've heard different. Tried calling the Build A Rocket Boy office in Ireland but was punted straight to voicemail. The studio hasn't replied to email outreach in yonks, either.”

  • “One ship on one cruise out of how many? Being stuck on a ship for yonks puts me off more”

Haven’t seen him in yonks!
Origin: . First seen in print around 1960. One theory is that it comes from donkey's ears; another is that it is an abbreviation of years, months and weeks. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Heard in the wild
  • “We've had an affiliate program for yonks...”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Would be keen to hear from you if you've heard different. Tried calling the Build A Rocket Boy office in Ireland but was punted straight to voicemail. The studio hasn't replied to email outreach in yonks, either.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “One ship on one cruise out of how many? Being stuck on a ship for yonks puts me off more”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “There's a reason I haven't had Chrome on any of my devices in yonks.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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