What Does ‘Cringe’ Mean?
Cringe describes something awkward or embarrassing that makes you wince.
Put-downs & shade adjective / noun
Examples of ‘Cringe’ in a sentence
- “My old videos are so cringe.”
- “That attempt at a dance trend was cringe.”
Where does ‘Cringe’ come from?
"To cringe" is an old English word for flinching. The slang noun and adjective meaning "embarrassingly awkward" became popular online in the 2010s.
How to use it, and when not to
Use it about your own past or silly moments. Do not shame others for what they enjoy.
For parents and teachers
Mostly fine – depends on tone. Mild. It can be unkind if aimed at people who are trying something new.
Related slang
Frequently asked questions
What does Cringe mean?
Cringe describes something awkward or embarrassing that makes you wince.
Where does Cringe come from?
"To cringe" is an old English word for flinching. The slang noun and adjective meaning "embarrassingly awkward" became popular online in the 2010s.
Is Cringe OK to say around parents or teachers?
Mostly fine – depends on tone. Mild. It can be unkind if aimed at people who are trying something new.
How do you use Cringe in a sentence?
My old videos are so cringe. That attempt at a dance trend was cringe.
More put-downs & shade slang
Cheugy, Chopped, Glazing, Mid, Pick-me. Or browse the full A–Z / try the Slang Translator.
Sources
Definition written by VibeDex. Slang changes quickly, so this is a snapshot. Last reviewed 2026-10-23.