crikey

[ krahy-kee ]

/ ˈkraɪ ki /

(used as an exclamation of surprise, amazement, dismay, etc.)

Origin of crikey

First recorded in 1830–40; probably euphemistic alteration of Christ

Crikey, you'd look mighty fine stuck up against a wall with half a dozen bloomin' Prussian rifles looking at yer.

Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons |Henry Charles Mahoney
To this homily the bandy-legged boy listened with his red cheeks artificially distended, and occasional murmurs of “Crikey!”

Jan of the Windmill |Juliana Horatia Ewing
Crikey, you should 'a seen 'im come a cropper on his nut down them new steps.

Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 100., February 7, 1891 |Various
Nobody aint ever broke out of this jail yet, and by crikey, they wont, as long as Im the keeper!

Baseball Joe on the Giants |Lester Chadwick

Both Krikey and crikey were used and retained as were handkie and hankie.

New Treasure Seekers |E. (Edith) Nesbit

crikey

/ (ˈkraɪkɪ) /

slang an expression of surprise

C19: euphemistic for Christ!