crickets
nouninterjectioncommon in dialogue
- United States//ˈkɹɪk.ɪts//
Used alone or in metaphorically descriptive phrases: absolute silence where meaningful sound is expected; lack of response; no communication.
noun
- 1
figurativeUsed alone or in metaphorically descriptive phrases: absolute silence where meaningful sound is expected; lack of response; no communication.
to hear crickets
Since then, I've received no response. Not a word. Just… crickets.
We asked for an explanation, but all we got was crickets.
Maria Chapelle-Nadal, a Democratic state senator, said she feared that the commission's findings would be announced with great fanfare, "but then we're just going to hear crickets, crickets, crickets."
- 2
Also a form of cricketplural of cricket.
Etymology
Sense 2 is derived from the cinematic metaphor of chirping crickets at night, signaling (otherwise) complete quiet.
interjection
- 1
Expressing mild annoyance or surprise.
Seraphina. You have more money, Betsy, than you will know how to spend; all your own. / Betsy. Oh, gracious! Won't I have as much dinner as I can eat every day! / Mrs. Green. Yes, my love, you can have everything you wish for. / Betsy. Oh, crickets!
"Oh Crickets! I seen you at the The-ayter one Night," she said. "I was there with Ollie Pozozzle of Minneapolis. Me and him come out just behind you. […]"
Etymology
See Jiminy Cricket.
crickets · Used alone or in metaphorically descriptive phrases: absolute silence where meaningful sound is expected; lack of response; no communication.
crime · A specific act committed in violation of the law, especially…CRIME · A particular security exploit against secret Web cookies over…crimes · Christ; crikey.