whoops

IPA/wʊps/
KK[wˈups]IPA/wʊps/

whoops — exclamation

1. a spoken expression you use when you see that you have just made a small error,

1.exclamationA2
Definition

a spoken expression you use when you see that you have just made a small error, narrowly avoided a mishap, or feel awkward about something you let slip by accident.

Example

Mathieu looked at the spilled milk and said, "Whoops, sorry about that."

whoops + brief apology

"Whoops, I sent that email to the wrong person," Christopher whispered to his friend.

whoops + explanation of mistake

Synonyms
  • oops

    the most common alternative; 'oops' is slightly quieter and used for very tiny mistakes, while 'whoops' can express a bit more surprise

  • uh-oh

    used when you see a problem coming or notice something has gone wrong, often with a drawn-out tone

  • my bad

    slang, mainly US, used as an informal apology for a mistake

Grammar Patterns

whoops — [explanation of mistake]

Usage Note

Frequently used in spoken English and informal writing such as text messages or social media posts. The tone is light-hearted and suggests the mistake is minor or fixable. For more serious errors, expressions like "oh no" or "I'm so sorry" are more appropriate.

Common Mistakes

Whoops, I failed my final exam.
Oh no, I failed my final exam.
whoops is only suitable for small, fixable mistakes, not serious failures.
Whoops, I accidentally set off the fire alarm.
Oops, I accidentally set off the fire alarm.
both 'whoops' and 'oops' are fine for accidents, but 'whoops' often carries a slightly more surprised tone.

Word family

  • whoopsie
    exclamationB1
  • oops
    exclamationA2

Etymology

English

First recorded in the 1930s as a variant of 'oops,' which itself appeared in the 1920s. The 'wh-' sound adds extra surprise or emphasis, similar to how 'whoop' (a loud shout) conveys excitement or alarm.