Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Yonks

What does it mean?

A very long period of time.

Is it positive or negative?

Neutral.

When do you use it?

Commonly used in casual conversation to emphasise that something has lasted or hasn't happened for a long time.

Examples

Example 1: I haven't been to that local pub in yonks, we should go tonight!

Example 2: It took me yonks to get home yesterday because of the roadworks.

Question for you

What’s something you haven’t done in yonks that you’d love to do again?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

Yonks is a great bit of British hyperbole. We work on sounding more natural and expressive in online English lessons with a British native speaker. Find out more here.