Cringe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cringe
[krɪn(d)ʒ ]
Definitions
social media
To experience an uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness. It is often used to describe content that is awkward or embarrassing to watch.
Synonyms
flinch, shudder, squeamish, wince.
Examples of usage
- I cringe every time I see that video on TikTok.
- Her awkward dance moves made me cringe.
internet slang
A feeling of embarrassment or discomfort caused by someone else's actions or words.
Synonyms
awkwardness, discomfort, embarrassment, unease.
Examples of usage
- The video was full of cringe.
- I couldn't handle the cringe during the presentation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- 'Cringe culture' gained popularity online, particularly through social media platforms, where users highlight socially awkward moments.
- Many memes revolve around 'cringe-worthy' moments, often exaggerating awkwardness for comedic effect.
- The term 'cringe' often appears in youth slang, symbolizing a dislike for something that feels overly dramatic or falsely sentimental.
Psychology
- Feeling cringe can be a shared social experience, where others empathize with a situation or person causing embarrassment.
- Psychological studies suggest that cringing can trigger feelings of discomfort due to social norms being violated.
- People often experience a physical reaction, like squirming or wincing, when witnessing cringe-inducing moments.
Literature
- In many modern narratives, cringe-worthy characters are portrayed to evoke empathy, illustrating the vulnerabilities of humanity.
- Authors often use cringe moments to reflect on social dynamics and to critique societal expectations.
- The theme of awkwardness is a common element in today's literature, aimed at highlighting the absurdity of certain social situations.
Media
- Reality TV shows often feature cringe moments as they capture real-life social interactions going awry.
- Comedians frequently use cringe humor to playfully highlight social faux pas, making audiences both laugh and wince.
- Shocking or awkward scenes in movies, often referred to as 'cringe moments,' are commonly used to invoke strong reactions from viewers.
Origin of 'cringe'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cringe' comes from the Old English word 'cringan', meaning to bend or to yield.
- Initially, it described the physical act of shrinking back in fear or discomfort.
- In the 20th century, 'cringe' started to be used more for emotional reactions to embarrassing situations.
The word 'cringe' originated from the Old English verb 'cringan', meaning 'to yield or give way in servile fear'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the early 21st century, where it is commonly used in social media and internet culture to describe feelings of discomfort or embarrassment.
See also: cringeworthy.