EkelnEkel

EkelnEkel is a neologism used primarily in German-language online discourse and speculative criticism to describe a intensified, reflexive form of disgust. The term combines the noun Ekel (disgust) with a reduplicated form, signaling repeated exposure, layering, or self-awareness about the feeling of disgust.

Definition and concept

EkelnEkel refers to disgust that is not only felt but also examined or criticized by the observer. It is used to analyze media, art, or discourse that provoke repulsion while foregrounding the viewer’s complicity or self-conscious reaction. In this sense, it encompasses both the affect of disgust and a meta-level critique of why that disgust arises.

Origins and usage

The term is not part of a standard academic taxonomy and has circulated mainly in digital culture, film and art commentary, and fan discussions since the late 2010s. Because it lacks formal definition in peer-reviewed literature, its boundaries are determined by context, often shifting between rhetorical device, aesthetic category, and social critique.

Applications and examples

In film and art criticism, EkelnEkel might describe scenes that provoke revulsion by displaying contamination or bodily violation while also signaling that spectators are aware of their own reaction. In memes or online posts, it may pair an objectionable image with captions that critique or parody the viewer’s desire to engage with the content, creating a layered affect.

Reception

Responses to EkelnEkel range from appreciation as a useful lens for examining affect and reflexivity to skepticism about its clarity and consistency. It remains a niche term whose value is often debated among critics and fans rather than a widely adopted theoretical standard.

See also: disgust, meta-disgust, affect theory, disgust aesthetics.