Cringe
What does Cringe mean?
Cringe is so awkward, embarrassing, forced, or uncomfortable that it makes someone recoil.
Cringe used in a sentence
“The obviously scripted apology video felt incredibly cringe.”
This example shows the term in context rather than treating the definition as a literal word-for-word substitution. Slang often depends on tone, audience, and the conversation around it.
How do you use Cringe?
Cringe can describe a person, joke, performance, post, trend, or moment that causes secondhand embarrassment. It may be used seriously, playfully, or as a harsh dismissal of someone's sincere interests.
Where did Cringe come from?
Cringe is an old English verb meaning to recoil or shrink back. Its adjective use meaning embarrassing or awkward was documented before internet culture, but online communities made short judgments such as 'that's cringe' especially common.
Common variations of Cringe
cringey
An adjective meaning embarrassing, awkward, uncomfortable, or likely to cause secondhand embarrassment.
cringe compilation
A collection of videos, posts, or moments selected because viewers consider them embarrassing or awkward.
based or cringe
A meme-style contrast asking whether something deserves approval or embarrassment.
Cringe: frequently asked questions
What does cringe mean in slang?
Cringe describes something so awkward, embarrassing, forced, or uncomfortable that it causes secondhand embarrassment.
Is cringey a real word?
Yes. Cringey, also spelled cringy or cringe-y, is an established informal adjective meaning cringeworthy.
Can calling someone cringe be hurtful?
Yes. It can dismiss someone's personality, interests, appearance, or sincere enthusiasm and may be insulting depending on context.