ick

American  

[ik] / ɪk /

interjection

1. (used as an expression of distaste or repugnance.)

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noun

1. Informal. something or someone that causes feelings of distaste or repugnance.

   If your dog has an eye infection, regularly wipe the ick from his eyes and nose with a clean, damp, warm washcloth.

   It's a big ick for me when someone is rude to waitstaff.

2. Slang. the ick, a sudden feeling of disgust or dislike, often in response to the actions of another person.

   I once got the ick when a guy I was dating used an emoji that annoyed me.

3. Chiefly British Informal. the ick, an illness, especially one such as a cold or flu.

   It seems like everyone in the office is coming down with the ick at once.

Usage

What does ick mean? Ick is used to show disgust or repugnance, as in Ick! That's so gross. As a noun phrase, the ick is also an informal term for sickness or other queasy feelings.How is ick pronounced?[ ik ]What are some other forms of ick?

• icky
• the ick
• ick factor

Etymology

Origin of ick

First recorded in 1965–70; of expressive origin

Example Sentences

I’m still waiting to be financially compensated for the ick of having to see Aidan lick his hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Lastly, there was the “ick” factor that Lenz said comes from the home’s association with a celebrity couple who are as polarizing as Alec and Hilaria—the former of whom even featured in a promotional video in January 2024 in which he attempted to personally lure a buyer for the dwelling.

From MarketWatch

Often as not, he turned up what he called “ick” investments.

From Literature

In October 2001, he explained the concept in his letter to investors: “Ick investing means taking a special analytical interest in stocks that inspire a first reaction of ‘ick.’”

From Literature

This was another piece of the puzzle when it came to maintaining the horror and ick factor from the original movie.

From Salon