What does Cringe mean?
Embarrassing or awkward
Detailed Explanation
Cringe describes something that is so awkward, embarrassing, or out of touch that it makes you feel secondhand embarrassment. It's the feeling of vicarious discomfort you get from watching someone else's awkward moment. It can be used as both an adjective ('That was so cringe') and a verb ('I cringed so hard').
Usage Examples
“His attempt at a viral dance was so cringe to watch.”
“I found my old middle school photos, pure cringe.”
“The way he tried to flirt made everyone cringe.”
Origin & History
While the word 'cringe' has existed for centuries, its use as a slang adjective to describe secondhand embarrassment became extremely popular in the 2010s, especially on platforms like Reddit and YouTube where 'cringe compilations' became a genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cringe' and 'awkward'?
'Awkward' describes a situation that is uncomfortable for those in it. 'Cringe' specifically refers to the act of observing that awkwardness from an outside perspective and feeling embarrassed on behalf of the people involved.