A word that reveals dismay or surprise depending on the context. Often replaces the use of the word 'shit' in a sentence or statement. Used increasingly during the 90's, can be seen used in the film Tommy Boy.
A commonly used phrase in Cincinnati Suburbs,(ex. Loveland, Milford, Madiera) and has even been found to have been used in parts of Southeast Indiana (ex. Batesville, Oldenburg). A varient on an expletive with a similair spelling, although often used in other situations. Other spellings of the word include shnikies, shnikeys, and shnikieys
Most Common Expressions: "Holy Shnikes Batman!" used in an intense situation
"Shnikes, That was Close" used in a close-call situation.
I showed my friend these brand new Nike's I bought on Ebay and he said "Dude are you stupid-did you really pay money for these? They aren't Nikes, they're Shnikes"