You Go To Stuyvesant? Yikes.

You can’t be a true Stuyvesant student if you haven’t heard the words “oof” or “yikes” come out of your mouth at some point throughout your day. These words epitomize the typical Stuyvesant experience and can be used in a multitude of situations to get a point across. The word “yikes” was first used in 1941 and has maintained a fair amount of popularity to this day. The “oof” trend recently came about as the sound made by a game character when he died. Since then, its meaning has changed to represent indifference in a way that is just slightly less offensive than not saying anything. You have probably heard these words being used before, and if you truly have not used any one of them, then you’re clearly not edgy enough and need to up your game. I am here to personally vouch for and exemplify the practicality of “oof” and “yikes” in nearly every conversation.

Stuyvesant students are almost always on the lookout for new ways to express their tragic “I don’t have a 99 in this class” and other first-world problems. This is where “oof” and “yikes” come in. They have become very useful for Stuyvesant students and are go-to words for any sort of reaction. For example, got a failing grade on a final? Oof. Didn’t get any sleep for the past 72 hours? Yikes. Broke your leg falling down some stairs and haven’t been able to walk since? Oof. Such words are best used in one-word contexts and will leave your friend inspired, with glistening eyes and a newfound passion for life, obviously because of your beautiful, heartfelt, and caring reaction.

Many times, these words can be used in an educational setting. If you need more variation—and I assure you, you will—use the line: “Yikes, don’t get upsetti, have some spaghetti” (per a very reliable Urban Dictionary post). Telling this to one of your English teachers after being asked about the whereabouts of that important essay is bound to work. Saying that the essay “yeeted itself out the window” should work as well. From prior experience, it is guaranteed that your teacher will immediately rescind her efforts. There you go.

Undoubtedly, Stuyvesant students convey their utmost intellectual achievements using such words. In fact, I’ve had conversations with people consisting solely of “oof” and “yikes.” For example:

Me: The MTA did me dirty again.
Person: Yikes.
Me: Missed three periods.
Person: Oof.

These conversations may end in yeeting all chances at a long-lasting friendship out the front door due to your immense conversational vocabulary and intellect, and your friends’ inability to understand that. But they're quite worth it. You should try it sometime.