Cripes is a short cry people use when they are surprised, annoyed, or a bit angry — close to “oh no” or “goodness.” It is informal and a little old-fashioned. You might hear it from older speakers, especially in Britain, or see it in comics and older books. Younger people today usually reach for something else. Though actually it is a softened stand-in for Christ: speakers changed the holy name a little so they would not sound as if they were swearing with it. Many listeners no longer hear the religious part; they just hear a mild, slightly funny exclamation. It can mark surprise or irritation, not only one of those.