- An exclamation used immediately after making a minor mistake, dropping something, or bumping into someone.
- Acknowledges a small error or accident.
- Whoopsie or Whoopsie-daisy is a slightly more childish, cutesy, or sometimes sarcastic version.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound or feeling of a stumble or small mishap. Possibly related to ups-a-daisy (said when lifting a child).
- Appeared in the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
More Informal/Slang:
- My bad
- Oopsy (similar to Whoopsie)
More Formal/Serious:
- My mistake
- I apologize / Sorry
- Pardon me / Excuse me
Vulgar (for more significant mistakes/frustration):
- Shit!
- Fuck!
- Dammit!
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Suitable for everyday minor errors.
- Whoopsie is even more informal and can sound childish or overly casual depending on the context and speaker. Avoid Whoopsie in professional or serious situations.
- Using Whoops for a serious mistake can sound inappropriately flippant.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is usually clear, but learners should avoid using it for significant errors where a more serious apology is needed.
- The difference between Whoops and Oops is negligible; they are interchangeable.
Examples
- Dropping something: Whoops, dropped my keys.
- Minor mistake: Whoops, sent that email to the wrong person. (Said to oneself or a colleague)
- Bumping into someone: Whoops, sorry!
- Whoopsie: Whoopsie, spilled my coffee. (Might sound slightly playful or downplaying)
Dialogue
Person A: Can you pass the salt?
Person B: Sure. (Knocks over a glass) Whoops!
Person A: Oh! No problem. Grab that napkin, quick!
Person B: Whoopsie. Sorry, clumsy me.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Sent the tweet with a typo. Whoops. Deleted and reposted!
- Chat: I accidentally hung up lol whoops
- Instagram Story: (Video of spilling something) Caption: Whoopsie 🤷♀️ #clumsy
Response Patterns
- If said after bumping into someone, the other person usually responds with No problem, It's okay, Alright.
- If said after dropping something or a minor error, observers might say It's alright, No worries, or offer help (Let me get that).
- Often, no verbal response is needed if the mistake only affects the speaker.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The speaker usually takes immediate corrective action (picks up the dropped item, corrects the email, apologizes further).
- If apologizing to someone: Sorry about that or Excuse me.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction to a mishap.
Intonation
- Usually short, quick, and with a falling intonation. Whoops!
- Can sometimes have a slightly higher pitch, reflecting mild surprise at the error.
- Whoopsie often has a more sing-song or playful intonation.
Generation Differences
- Whoops is common across most generations.
- Whoopsie might be used more often by/towards children, or playfully/sarcastically by adults.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Aus, NZ). Oops might be slightly more frequent overall, especially in the US.