Cringe

Cringe describes something that feels extremely awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable to watch. For example, you might call it cringe when someone tries too hard to look cool, overshares in public, or makes an awkward joke that falls flat. The term comes from the natural reaction of cringing, which is a facial expression people make when they witness something embarrassing or unpleasant.

Online, people often use "cringe" as a quick reaction to awkward posts, videos, or behavior. The term became especially popular in the 2020s with Internet culture and social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, where users comment on uncomfortable or secondhand-embarrassing moments. Today, teenagers and young adults (Gen Alpha and Gen Zers) widely use it in texts, memes, and online discussions to call out moments that feel painfully awkward.