cringey
Americanadjective
-
causing a reaction or feeling of embarrassment, awkwardness, or discomfort; cringeworthy.
The movie brought back my cringey middle school memories.
-
seeking favor by means of servile behavior or flattery.
His talk show is mostly cringey interviews with celebrities.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cringey
First recorded in 1965–70; cringe ( def. ) + -y 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Dr. Fauci’s journal included serious reflections on the pandemic, parts read like a cringey entry from a pubescent teen’s high-school drama.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
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
Women’s March in 2017, and I saw every race, gender and age marching, cringey pink hats and all.
From Salon ● Jan. 14, 2026
"We got our first gig as a band in early 2017 and had a different, very cringey name," he explains.
From BBC ● Jan. 6, 2026
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
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