Whoopsies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An expression of minor embarrassment or acknowledgment of a mistake made
2. a lighthearted way to indicate a slip-up or blunder that typically lacks serious consequences
3. a playful term often used to convey a sense of endearment or humor in response to an accident or misstep

Etymology: "Whoopsies" is the plural-looking form of "whoops" with the diminutive suffix "-ies" attached, the same ending found in playful words like "doggies" or "hankies". The result is a cutesy, childlike version of the interjection, used to soften a small slip or blunder. "Whoops" itself is the older and more basic form, an exclamation of surprise or dismay when someone trips, drops something or makes a minor error. Adding "-ies" turns that exclamation into a noun for the mistake or the moment of embarrassment, so that someone might say "oops, a whoopsie" to mean a little accident. The suffix does the same softening work it does in "sweetie" or "birdie", making the word sound light and nonthreatening.

Synonyms: oops, mistakes, blunders, slips, errors