Ick

Ick is an onomatopoeic expression in English used to convey disgust or distaste. In contemporary slang, the word has acquired a broader sense, describing a sudden, personal aversion to a dating partner or candidate, sometimes culminating in loss of romantic interest. The term can function as a noun or as a verb in phrases such as "the ick" or "to get the ick."

Etymology traces the form to the instinctive sound associated with revulsion, with the modern dating meaning developing through informal online communication and youth culture. The concept is widely discussed on social media, where users describe a triggering moment or trait—ranging from hygiene to demeanor—that causes an abrupt reevaluation of attraction.

Usage varies: some see the ick as a natural response to incompatibilities, while others critique it as overly broad, subjective, or potentially shaming. The idea has given rise to lists of common "icks" and to debates about whether the phenomenon reflects personal boundaries, evolving standards, or performative dating culture.

Related terms include disgust, revulsion, and dealbreaker, while the expression "ick factor" is used in both informal speech and media reporting to denote the intensity of the reaction. The ick remains primarily a cultural concept rather than a formal psychological category.