cringey

American  

[krin-jee] / ˈkrɪn dʒi /

Or cringy

adjective

Informal.

1. causing a reaction or feeling of embarrassment, awkwardness, or discomfort; cringeworthy.

   The movie brought back my cringey middle school memories.

2. seeking favor by means of servile behavior or flattery.

   His talk show is mostly cringey interviews with celebrities.

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Etymology

Origin of cringey

First recorded in 1965–70; cringe ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

It’s so overly consultant-speak cringey that I can clearly picture a corporate off-site meeting about to go into breakout sessions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Something similar played out a few years back with Geriatric Millennials, born in the early '80s, whose brand of humour—the crying-laughing emoji, finger moustaches and the word "adulting"—was derided as cringey.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Women’s March in 2017, and I saw every race, gender and age marching, cringey pink hats and all.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

I always get really cringey about that stuff,” she says, channeling her internal debate about embarking on the project.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2025

The rest of the movie, you share snacks with Lucy, rolling your eyes together at a cringey line, whispering about sea turtles and climate change.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith