crickets

Pronunciation




Etymology 1
Sense 2 is derived from the cinematic metaphor of chirping crickets at night, signaling (otherwise) complete quiet.

Noun

 * : absolute silence where meaningful sound is expected; lack of response; no communication.
 * : absolute silence where meaningful sound is expected; lack of response; no communication.

Etymology 2
See Jiminy Cricket.

Interjection

 * 1) * 1902,, “The Fable of the Long-range Lover, the Lollypaloozer, and the Line of Talk”, in The Girl Proposition. A Bunch of He and She Fables, New York, N.Y.: R. H. Russell, OCLC 776243245 ; republished Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Literature House, 1969, OCLC 695700303 , page 9:
 * "Oh Crickets! I seen you at the The-ayter one Night," she said. "I was there with Ollie Pozozzle of Minneapolis. Me and him come out just behind you."
 * 1) * 1902,, “The Fable of the Long-range Lover, the Lollypaloozer, and the Line of Talk”, in The Girl Proposition. A Bunch of He and She Fables, New York, N.Y.: R. H. Russell, OCLC 776243245 ; republished Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Literature House, 1969, OCLC 695700303 , page 9:
 * "Oh Crickets! I seen you at the The-ayter one Night," she said. "I was there with Ollie Pozozzle of Minneapolis. Me and him come out just behind you."