Surgical clips and surgical applicators used in performing rapid tissue closure in either minimally invasive surgeries or traditional open procedures are provided. In one example approach, a surgical clip comprises opposing sides extending from a top portion and terminating at tips positioned below the top portion. The resting position of the clip is its closed position, and in the closed position, the tips are set at a first distance apart. Each side has a cut-out (or hole or aperture) opposite one another. Each cut-out is fully surrounded by the side and does not extend to the top or tips. Each cut-out is configured to engage an inwardly turned hook at the end of a clip array or clip applicator such that the sides bend outwardly away from each other when pressure is applied on the top portion of the clip, thereby placing the clip in an open position.
