side-eye

American  

[sahyd-ahy] / ˈsaɪdˌaɪ /

Also sideeye or side eye

noun

1. a sidelong look used to express contempt, criticism, suspicion, curiosity, or doubt.

   Family holidays—the perfect time to face intrusive questions and the side-eye your great-aunt gives you at the dinner table.

   I don't want to eat at a restaurant where we'll be getting the side-eye all night for having a baby in tow.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to express contempt, criticism, suspicion, curiosity, or doubt with or as if with a sidelong look.

   Two things make me side-eye this story: the improbable plot and the unbelievable ending.

   Don't side-eye just yet, let me explain.

Etymology

Origin of side-eye

First recorded in 1825–30

Example Sentences

After a brief pause and a side-eye, Caroline joins in the laughter - a reminder that, however brash or independent she seems, family still sits at the centre of it all.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

There’s no side-eye, no resentment, no “Yankee go home” — just genuine, wholehearted gratitude.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025

Harris is exceptionally good at the furrow, the side-eye, the chin stroke, and the silent, syrup-scented “Bless his heart.”

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2024

But that is the power of Buteau’s ebullient charisma, which telegraphs to audiences that her preternatural comic rhythm and dolled-up, side-eye style of delivery are in service of being a warmhearted bestie.

From New York Times • May 27, 2024

A side-eye peep: three young guys in a pickup.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater