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.

---

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

“Uh-huh,” said George, giving him side-eye.

From Literature

She walks up to Leo, gives me a flash of side-eye.

From Literature

Tom Daley's side-eye, Celie Imrie's noisy digestive system, Paloma Faith's early murder, Kate Garraway's theatrics, Joe Marler's "big dog" theory and Jonathan Ross's rousing exit speech all contributed to a memorable series.

From BBC

I give Autumn one last playful side-eye, glance once more at the cinnamon rolls, head to the kitchen, and try to break my record for the Fastest Dishwashing Session Ever award.

From Literature

No one loves their city quite like Chicagoans do, with a swaggering loyalty that blurs civic pride into something closer to religious conviction, a hometown devotion that doubles as a perfectly seared side-eye to the coasts.

From Salon