ah(,) shucks
1. An expression of shyness, happiness, or embarrassment. A: "You're just too sweet!" B: "Ah shucks, you're gonna make me blush." Though he was clearly thrilled by her compliments, all he could manage was a timid, "Ah, shucks" and a smile. Ah, shucks, it was nothing, really. Anyone else would have done the same thing.
2. An expression of disappointment. Ah shucks, it looks like we're going to lose the game after all. A: "Sorry, kids, the rain clouds are rolling in—we're going to have to cancel the picnic." B: "Ah, shucks!" Ah, shucks—that was supposed to be a surprise for your birthday!
aw shucks
1. An expression of shyness, happiness, or embarrassment. A: "You're just too sweet!" B: "Aw shucks, you're gonna make me blush." Aw shucks, it was nothing. I was happy to help. Aw shucks, that's so nice of you to say! Thank you!
2. An expression of disappointment. Aw shucks, it looks like we're going to lose the game after all. The rain clouds seem to be rolling in now. Aw shucks! Aw shucks, it didn't snow last night—so we still have to go to school today.
aw-shucks
Indicative of shyness or a lack of sophistication. Charlie was a nice fellow with a sweet, aw-shucks demeanor. You'll never get ahead until you ditch this aw-shucks attitude and become more assertive in the board room. You'll love him—he's very down to earth with an aw-shucks air about him.
shuck
To cast off some article of clothing, especially hastily or haphazardly. Primarily heard in US, Canada. The kids ran in and shucked their muddy boots and jackets all around my clean carpet.
shuck down
1. To disrobe hastily or haphazardly. Primarily heard in US, Canada. The kids ran in and shucked down, leaving their muddy boots and jackets all over my clean carpet.
2. To remove someone's clothes, especially in a hasty or haphazard manner. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "shuck" and "down." Primarily heard in US, Canada. The poor child was soaked to the bone from the rain, so I shucked him down and wrapped him up in a dry towel. The mother shucked the child down and put him straight into the bathtub.
shuck off
1. To cast someone or something off from one's body. A noun or pronoun can be used between "shuck" and "off." The kids ran in and shucked their muddy boots and jackets off, leaving them strewn across my clean floors. I was glad to get inside and shuck off my dirty work clothes. The brute tried to grab me from behind, but I managed to shuck him off.
2. To discard, leave behind, or get rid of someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "shuck" and "off." The country has long been trying to shuck off its reputation as a dangerous, crime-ridden place. I promised myself I would shuck smoking off for good this year. I could sense that someone was following me, so I tried darting down a series of alleys and side streets to shuck them off.
shucks
1. A mild exclamation of anger, annoyance, regret, or disgust (about something). Often preceded by the interjections "ah" or "aw." Shucks! I thought that would fix the problem with the computer, but I guess something else must be wrong. Ah, shucks—that was supposed to be a surprise for your birthday!
2. A mild exclamation of humility or embarrassment, especially when receiving praise or flattery. Often preceded by the interjections "ah" or "aw." A: "I wanted to give you this gift as thanks for everything you did for me and my family." B: "Aw, shucks. I was only doing my duty, ma'am." I've been thinking long and hard about what I would say if I won this award, but now that I'm here, well, shucks—I'm downright speechless!
3. noun Something of very little value. Used especially in the phrases "not worth shucks" and "not amount to shucks." All their promises won't amount to shucks if they aren't willing to back them up with action. I learned long ago that people like him aren't worth shucks.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.