Words / B1

Y-ONGKS/jɒŋks/

Yonks means a very long time (UK informal). You almost always say for yonks, like for ages. Not used in the singular a yonk in careful speech. Ages and a long time are the neutral pairs. Noun, uncountable in this use.

Meaning

A very long time (UK informal, usually for yonks).

Examples

• “We have not been to that café for yonks.”
• “I have had this coat for yonks and it still keeps me dry.”
• “They moved away yonks ago.”

Good to know

for yonks (UK informal) = for ages. Neutral: for a long time. Not “a yonk”.

Near in meaning

ages

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