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

“I always felt like I was in a library,” Emma says, with some guests shushing others or throwing a side-eye.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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 • Dec. 26, 2025

He gives me the side-eye while I insist we just need a little post-hike snack.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2024

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

So I side-eye him to let him know that game recognizes game.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi