Internet Slang

What Does "Cringe" Mean?

Quick Definition
Embarrassingly awkward or socially off — makes you wince secondhand.
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What "Cringe" Really Means

"Cringe" describes something embarrassingly awkward, try-hard, or out of touch that causes vicarious embarrassment. "Cringe content" is content that's so awkward or embarrassing it's hard to watch. "That's cringe" criticizes something as socially unaware or pathetically desperate. It's often the opposite of "based" — while based means unapologetically confident, cringe means embarrassingly desperate for approval.

Origin & History

English word repurposed as internet slang; mainstream ~2012.

Tone & Context

This slang is generally considered negative in tone. Very widely used. Common critique of embarrassing behavior or content.

Example Sentences

  • "That ad trying to use Gen Z slang is so cringe."
  • "His attempt to be funny in the meeting was pure cringe."
  • "I found my old Facebook posts — absolute cringe."
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Related Slang

What does "Based" mean? What does "Mid" mean? What does "Sus" mean? What does "NGL" mean?

Explore More Internet Slang

Browse our full Internet Slang dictionary for more terms, or check the complete slang glossary.