stink eye

American

[stingk ahy] / ˈstɪŋk ˌaɪ /

stinkeye,

noun

Informal.

a disapproving, contemptuous, or critical glance (often used withthe ).

Even today, I get the stink eye from Gran if I leave food on my plate.
They let their dogs jump in the river right where I'm fishing, and then give me the stink eye when I complain.

Etymology

Origin of stink eye

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

Lottie is definitely up to something, feeding Nat lies and then giving her a comic book villain's stink eye as she walks away.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

But to some extent, the former’s strong growth is attributable to the latter’s stink eye for politically incorrect fundraisers.

From Washington Times • Jul. 20, 2021

He is always conscious of his two audiences: fans who have never stepped foot in a concert hall, and conservative, subscription crowds who will naturally view his name with a stink eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2019

She’s very involved with him, and my kid feels like the mom gives her stink eye when she sees them together.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2018

Grandma gave Ernie the stink eye, clearly waiting for him to agree too.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023