cringe

Cringe refers to the feeling of embarrassment or discomfort experienced in response to socially awkward, earnest, or inappropriate behavior. In common usage, something described as cringe-worthy provokes secondhand embarrassment rather than genuine humor or harm, and may cause observers to recoil or flinch inwardly.

Origin and usage: Cringe derives from the verb cringe, meaning to recoil or flinch. In online communities, the term gained prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s as a label for content, performances, or attitudes that evoke painful embarrassment in observers.

Contexts and forms: Cringe appears in social media posts, video compilations, and reality-style performances. Cringe humor refers to material designed to be awkward or earnest in a way that is humorous, while cringe culture denotes a broader social phenomenon of seeking out and reacting to cringe content, sometimes through memes or challenges.

Subjectivity and critique: What counts as cringe varies by culture and individual taste. Critics argue that cringe culture can encourage shaming, or gatekeeping, whereas supporters say it fosters humor, social critique, and community among viewers who share preferences.

Related terms and notes: Related concepts include secondhand embarrassment, awkwardness, and cringe comedy. As a label, cringe functioned in digital discourse to categorize performances, trends, and interactions that trigger an awkward or embarrassing reaction rather than outright humor or harm.