“Oops!” in Context
May 21, 2010 
A single word can say a lot. Take the word “oops.” By itself, we know that somewhere a mistake was made. Something happened that the speaker didn’t want to have happen.
But add a little context to that single word, and OHHH the meaning that can result. For example, I was cutting my husbands hair last night. “Oops!” What do you think the word says now?
I’m handwashing my finest china. “Oops!” Have a picture in your head?
A doctor in the middle of bypass surgery. “Oops!”
A circus performer on the tightrope. “Oops!”
The possibilities are endless. The word never changes, but give a little context and you hardly need to say anything else. The reader gets it.
Go on . . . share your own “oops” context.
Note: My husband’s hair grows fast, so no worries!
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I love this, but my mind went blank as soon as I tried to come up with something of my own. WIll check back to read what everyone else comes up with though!
ditto. I've had tons of Oops! moments (like when I'm cutting something with a knife), but my mind draws a blank right now. But then, it's only 5:30 am. My brain hasn't quite woken up yet. 😉
Ha! fun post, and great way to illustrate the "resist the urge to explain" adage I see in writing guides.
BTW, I have a little gift for you on my blog.
This is such a great tool to use in our writing, definitely! It says so much, and perfectly, that one simple word.
great Post…and something to always remember – context of our writing
wonderful post!!
I posted a blurb about your blog over on mine today! ;o)
Have a great weekend!
Visit My Kingdom Anytime
Dude, I so do not want to be in the room when a doctor says "Oops." Ever. LOL.
My mom did a similar thing to my son for his first haircut…yikes! The guard fell off and pffft…a reverse mohawk. 0_0
Funny post, following you now…nice to meetcha.
What Elana said!! I'm thinking I don't want to hear a pilot (flying a plane I'm on) say that either.
I followed you back. Thanks for finding me…nice to make your acquaintance. 🙂
Happy Weekend,
Lola
Nice! Here's mine.
The tattoo artists peers closer to the emerging design on my back.
"Oops."
Ha ha ha! Fun post, Janet! 🙂
Have a great weekend.
When are you going to post on your "Blink… Blink…" Moments?
Janet,
The chocolate bars arrived yesterday. Thanks so much. My daughter and I started eating one of them yesterday…YUM!
Yeah, I'm with Elana on this one. That would be bad news for sure!
Love this post. Love this post! I can see an entire childrens book with nothing but the word "oops" on each page accompanied by a perfect illustration. Neat!
Your husband is graceful to smile after that oops moment.
I never say "oops," but I constantly think of the word or use it in my writing.
At my first job as a dental assistant I said 'oops' when I dropped a cotton roll on the floor. Oh, I still see those glaring eyes over the mask of my boss, and the fear in the patient's eyes! Lessoned learned! Fun post!
Hahaha! So true! I have a lot of oops moment. Too many to try and pick one out, I guess. I'd say oops could probably go on my headstone.
Cutting my husband's hair, the day before a wedding. I had the guard off so I could trim around the ears and the back of the neck. I noticed a few hairs I missed on top of his head and without even thinking I had my "OOPS" moment. My husband was real good about his peach fuzz haircut and he didn't have to face the clippers again for several months!