What Does ‘The ick’ Mean?
The ick is a sudden feeling of disgust or loss of interest in someone you liked, usually from a small thing they did.
Dating & friendships noun
Examples of ‘The ick’ in a sentence
- “He said "bruh" at the wedding and I got the ick.”
- “I got the ick when she chewed with her mouth open.”
Where does ‘The ick’ come from?
"Ick" is an old word for something disgusting. The "the ick" phrasing spread online in the 2020s; it is often discussed in relation to dating.
How to use it, and when not to
Use it for small funny turn-offs. Do not use it to bully someone about who they are.
For parents and teachers
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. The topic is dating, but nothing is explicit.
Related slang
Frequently asked questions
What does The ick mean?
The ick is a sudden feeling of disgust or loss of interest in someone you liked, usually from a small thing they did.
Where does The ick come from?
"Ick" is an old word for something disgusting. The "the ick" phrasing spread online in the 2020s; it is often discussed in relation to dating.
Is The ick OK to say around parents or teachers?
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. The topic is dating, but nothing is explicit.
How do you use The ick in a sentence?
He said "bruh" at the wedding and I got the ick. I got the ick when she chewed with her mouth open.
More dating & friendships slang
Bestie, Breadcrumbing, Ghosting, Green flag, Pookie, Red flag. 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.