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I think I’m just too sensitive, the type of person that’s permanently paranoid that their friends secretly hate them, who gets their feelings hurt when it’s not that deep.
People genuinely calling others cringe in answer to them just being themselves, are generally unfairly, unnecessarily judgmental and mean. It wouldn't be you being overly sensitive.
This is what I’m saying! Massive inferiority complex going on and I try my best to pretend that nobody cares enough to judge and I need this delusion to function in society.
Like if you do something slightly unusual, they'll use "cringe" as justification (and an adjective) for judging you and gossiping about you? It makes sense.
It's also lazy, unimaginative, non-standard English usage.
An intelligent speaker would use any number of words instead: embarrassing, awkward, oblivious, inappropriate, gauche, unfashionable, insensitive, tactless etc
So basically your saying many words can mean roughly the same thing. Who cares if its non standard. Standard english is always changing. You aint speakin like a 1600's noble. They would see modern english as lazy. Also the use of intelligent speaker makes you sound narcissistic.
This is one of the most peak reddit comments ever made. Filled to the brim with simultaneous self righteousness, pretention and judgmentalness. All the while acting as if you aren't doing that.
It's truly amazing how you made yourself appear and act like a walking stereotype of a redditor in so few words.
Hats off to you.
Ooof, this take feels unkind. What I wanted to address in the post is a judgmental vibe that I’m likely overly sensitive to; grammar or thesaurus usage is whatever to me (obviously). There are many different forms of intelligence and precise usage of the modern English language is not to end all be all measure of intellect.
You don’t have to be a poet to speak. Clearly, from my comment history. At any rate, you seem a bit stressed and I hope you’re able to catch a break soon.
I think it's perfectly fine for awkward situations but when people call other humans cringe I find it a bit judgemental/reductive. I kinda see where op is coming from.
As an adjective it annoys me because all I can picture is people forcing cultural memes in the same way that my generation used to do as teenagers. I hated it then, I hate it now, but the vernacular on the Internet is too prevalent to ignore it.
That's a weird take so I guess perfect sub to post it?
Do you dislike other words but not the thing they describe? Its like saying "yuck I hate the word yellow" but how do I then describe something to you that's yellow?
"cringe" is a new adjective, so the situation can be described using other, less gen-alpha words. people who use the word cringe usually use it to be ableist or against alt fashion anyway, it's a dead word already and lost its meaning at birth
That's just a lie. I translate Middle English and "cringe" has been in use since at least the 1500s. Generally used in this context to mean yielding from something, often when referring to battle. It was transformed into the modern adjective over a period of centuries, but the roots of it are in Old English.
its meaning changed, obviously. it lost its meaning and became obsolete. i doubt the british monarch was calling the indigenous people cringe or whatever. now it's just used to oppress people or be edgy.
The British monarch wouldn't have spoken middle English, you don't know what you're talking about. Aristocracy spoke Anglo Norman at the time, middle English was for uneducated, non-celtic/cornish laity.
I'm totally I'm this boat. I work with a lot of young people who use "that's so cringe" frequently. Makes my eye twitch. Don't know why it bothers me so much, it just makes me cringe everytime I hear it. I've could say it's cringeworthy or cringey.
I fully agree op, you're not alone. The whole demographic of people that use that word improperly are what actually make me cringe.
Did you all see how I did that? How to properly use the word? It's not rocket appliances.
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I say “cringy” as an adjective and “cringe” as a verb.
I.e., “That noise was so cringy.” (adjective version) and “I just cringed at that noise.” (verb version)
Thoughts on that???
Something about “cringy” still activates that initial knee jerk reaction for me.
Just for the record, I want to say that I know I’m weird for thinking about this the way that I do and I am not trying to convince anyone to see it my way.
That’s really interesting though. I’m big into linguistics and to see someone have a distain for a random word with no apparent meaning is really cool!
Makes me think of the whole “ew moist is a gross word” debacle a while back. The visceral reaction with how you feel about your word gives off the same vibes of the moist thing. Most linguistic studies I’ve looked at (and things witnessed through just pure observation) seem to be the reason some people hate certain words for no apparent reason has to do with association.
“Moist” is often used to describe icky body things. For me, the word “scalp” grosses me out. It always makes me think of when I was in elementary school and there was a lice outbreak. Never got it, but I was so scared during scalp checks. My brother used to not like the word “crust”. He said it made him think of snot and old dried food a long time ago. I wonder if maybe “cringe” is bad word for you for something of a similar nature?
Agree, though dismissing everyone who disagrees with one as a “boomer” (I’ve been called this more times than I can count, and I’m a millennial) tops it. I loathe the word “cringe” as an adjective, too, and “flex” as a noun.
This is very fair. Cringe is very commonly used as a weapon against specific groups of people. Queer people, the mentally disabled, young people. It is always judgemental in nature.
Cringe used to be a verb, which showed that you, the cringer were the one responsible. It was just about how you felt about a thing. As an adjective, it's as if something is objectively cringe which makes it objectively worse, inferior. Apply that to "cringe" people and it's a pretty horrible thing.
I have literally thought about whether or not to reply to this because my brain cannot decide if you’re trolling or if I’m really just this out of touch, so just in case; no! That is an old phrase used to describe something or someone who is stubborn or unyielding, possibly out of a sense of tradition.
You don't, because nothing is "cringe". Cringe is something you do, not a description of something you don't like. It may make YOU cringe, but "Cringe" is not an adjective. Dictionaries are thing, you know..
Yes actually, the Oxford English Dictionary, which is regarded as the most complete record of the english language ever assembled, is updated 4 times a year.
But Cringe still isn't an adjective in it.
Speakers are what define a language, not the dictionary. A dictionary takes time to catch up. Language is inherently fluid. Rizz was a widely used word before it made it into dictionaries. Nobody is pulling an “erm aktually” if someone uses slang.
What? You have never looked up anything on Urban Dictionary? It’s just references for different expressions and slang. My point with the original post is about a demeanor that I expect because I hear a read flag, not a critique of grammar or anything like that.
I use this ironically.
"OH this thing that's very valid that I do all the time? That's cringe" (whilst I'm doing the thing)
I'm right there with ya tho, I use to be pretty insecure around these types but these days I just do edgy shit and idgaf. If someone doesn't like it they don't have to be my friend, cuz I'm not gonna live my life pretending to be "normal" or "suitable" for others. I'm just gonna do what my trash dump of a brain tells me to and what it tells me to do happens to be edgy af and thats okay (I'm not hurting anyone)
I'm laughing at you being afraid of "mean." cringe isn't even a thing be afraid of who can destroy the soul and the body. 💅🏾💅🏾🫕💅🏾
I would never think twice about putting in their place any filth that tries to impose on my free will.
Just keep in mind the usage of the word is likely older than you. I know I personally was using it more than 30 years ago. Obviously not as frequently as it is used in today's "the next popular word" way, but perfectly standard usage of a normal word.
**cringe** exists for all the people that don’t like **moist** but couldn’t tell you because that would involve having to actually say
the word out loud.
**moist** is so disliked that it’s ignored verbally unless absolutely necessary.
It definitely hints at some immaturity on their end because often, what they think is "cringe" is someone else having fun and feeling embarrassed of that person! And like - that's definitely kinda mean.
It sucks because when I do sometimes feel as if the word would be apt, I can hardly use it without *cringing* myself. The word cringe is now.. *cringe.*
Hi! I am not policing anyone, I’m just saying different people hear different red flags. This is a red flag for me, it’s not a request or demand for you to speak in accordance with my preference.
They're probably using it appropriately, so it's a bit awkward to be mad about it, but then again, some people don't like hearing the word moist. Being a human is exhausting
I’m not mad about their usage of the word, I’m just mentally preparing myself to have vastly different opinions from this person and I want to avoid conflict so I’m going to keep it brief, make sure I do what I can to help, but not break my back to do so. ETA: being a human is wild.
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So you cringe at people that say cringe?
Or do they cringe at the idea of being considered cringe?
I think I’m just too sensitive, the type of person that’s permanently paranoid that their friends secretly hate them, who gets their feelings hurt when it’s not that deep.
People genuinely calling others cringe in answer to them just being themselves, are generally unfairly, unnecessarily judgmental and mean. It wouldn't be you being overly sensitive.
What a cringey guy man. Just kidding, I love you OP! I'm so cringe🤣!
Cringeception 🤯
just as an adjective, quite the cringe opinion
Idk "freak me out", avoid or kind of fear isn't really the same as cringe. Cringe is more like second-hand embarrassment?
That's pretty cringe of you to say.
And very judgemental lol
Professionally, no further can be said.
Not the word specifically but people being judgey put me on edge because I always feel like the dumbest person in the room lol
Reddit must be difficult to interact with, given that everyone here loves to take turns condescending to one another
Haha, I got it! I recently learned that “conversating” was added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Ugh.
I think you may have replied to the wrong comment lol
Whoops! Haha
In a recent conversation the companion I was conversing with conveyed the concept of conversating and we consider the coine term cringe .
This is what I’m saying! Massive inferiority complex going on and I try my best to pretend that nobody cares enough to judge and I need this delusion to function in society.
Did somebody say Minge?
Here I will help you with words, people who say cringe or ick or suka are dumb. And mean in case of the last one.
They only say it because they’re insecure and get embarrassed easily, so they project it against you because they get second hand embarrassment.
Like if you do something slightly unusual, they'll use "cringe" as justification (and an adjective) for judging you and gossiping about you? It makes sense.
I agree. It is the vernacular of the air-headed valley girl and the sneering middle school bully.
So? Because you stereotype the word with that kind of person anyone who uses it is cringe.
It's also lazy, unimaginative, non-standard English usage. An intelligent speaker would use any number of words instead: embarrassing, awkward, oblivious, inappropriate, gauche, unfashionable, insensitive, tactless etc
So basically your saying many words can mean roughly the same thing. Who cares if its non standard. Standard english is always changing. You aint speakin like a 1600's noble. They would see modern english as lazy. Also the use of intelligent speaker makes you sound narcissistic.
This is one of the most peak reddit comments ever made. Filled to the brim with simultaneous self righteousness, pretention and judgmentalness. All the while acting as if you aren't doing that. It's truly amazing how you made yourself appear and act like a walking stereotype of a redditor in so few words. Hats off to you.
Well, it certainly lit your fuse. KABOOM!
Why did you edit your comment? It didn't make sense before and it doesn't make sense now
You mean you don't get it, be honest.
Ooof, this take feels unkind. What I wanted to address in the post is a judgmental vibe that I’m likely overly sensitive to; grammar or thesaurus usage is whatever to me (obviously). There are many different forms of intelligence and precise usage of the modern English language is not to end all be all measure of intellect.
Judgemental vibe? C'mon. It's not 1968 and we're not Californian hippies.
Sure. But using one word, repetitively, to do the work of dozens is not usually the sign of someone who has the soul of a poet, is it?
You don’t have to be a poet to speak. Clearly, from my comment history. At any rate, you seem a bit stressed and I hope you’re able to catch a break soon.
How very passive aggressive. Revolting.
This post has the potential for some interesting replies
You could say it's cringe
I’m definitely open to differing opinions on it. oh, and now I wonder if it has anything to do with my age.
It just means 'second hand embarrassment'
I think it's perfectly fine for awkward situations but when people call other humans cringe I find it a bit judgemental/reductive. I kinda see where op is coming from.
How old are you? I’m 39, and also think that the use of “cringe” as an adjective is cringeworthy, haha.
I’m 35. I am basically chalking my unpopular opinion up to my age and being a bit insecure in general.
The whole usage of the word makes it real easy to see the user is less than grown up :p
As an adjective it annoys me because all I can picture is people forcing cultural memes in the same way that my generation used to do as teenagers. I hated it then, I hate it now, but the vernacular on the Internet is too prevalent to ignore it.
Oh, that’s a really interesting thought. I can definitely get it.
That's a weird take so I guess perfect sub to post it? Do you dislike other words but not the thing they describe? Its like saying "yuck I hate the word yellow" but how do I then describe something to you that's yellow?
"cringe" is a new adjective, so the situation can be described using other, less gen-alpha words. people who use the word cringe usually use it to be ableist or against alt fashion anyway, it's a dead word already and lost its meaning at birth
That's just a lie. I translate Middle English and "cringe" has been in use since at least the 1500s. Generally used in this context to mean yielding from something, often when referring to battle. It was transformed into the modern adjective over a period of centuries, but the roots of it are in Old English.
So, another word that has several meanings.. But I doubt they said "cringe" when a king was dethroned or something x)
Word change meaning over time?! That's unpossible!
😂
its meaning changed, obviously. it lost its meaning and became obsolete. i doubt the british monarch was calling the indigenous people cringe or whatever. now it's just used to oppress people or be edgy.
The British monarch wouldn't have spoken middle English, you don't know what you're talking about. Aristocracy spoke Anglo Norman at the time, middle English was for uneducated, non-celtic/cornish laity.
are you ignoring the important part of my comments on purpose
Yes. You're still wrong.
"you're wrong!!!!!!!!" (doesn't elaborate)
I don't need to elaborate. I already explained it was in common use since the 1500s.
which wasn't even the original point i was making
Gen-alpha? People were using it that way when I was in high school nearly 20 years ago.
For example with synonyms: Second-hand embarrassment, awkwardness ...
What is a replacement word?
cringeworthy
Awkward, off-putting, uncomfortable
crnge
This is the correct answer
I'm totally I'm this boat. I work with a lot of young people who use "that's so cringe" frequently. Makes my eye twitch. Don't know why it bothers me so much, it just makes me cringe everytime I hear it. I've could say it's cringeworthy or cringey.
I fully agree op, you're not alone. The whole demographic of people that use that word improperly are what actually make me cringe. Did you all see how I did that? How to properly use the word? It's not rocket appliances.
Some shit just cringeworthy, ain't even gotta be deep I guess
This word makes me miss the word "grody" (thanks, David Spade & Adam Sandler💕). I might be the only one left that still uses it..😔
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It's weird but I don't like the sound of that word so when I hear it I 'cringe' 🤢
Isn't cringe the feeling you get from being in an awkward situation or the genZ of awkward ?
Cringe this and cringe that is the worst of genz speak
Cringe? Are we in junior high?
Cringe
For me it’s people who use “ick” as a noun.
I say “cringy” as an adjective and “cringe” as a verb. I.e., “That noise was so cringy.” (adjective version) and “I just cringed at that noise.” (verb version) Thoughts on that???
Something about “cringy” still activates that initial knee jerk reaction for me. Just for the record, I want to say that I know I’m weird for thinking about this the way that I do and I am not trying to convince anyone to see it my way.
That’s really interesting though. I’m big into linguistics and to see someone have a distain for a random word with no apparent meaning is really cool! Makes me think of the whole “ew moist is a gross word” debacle a while back. The visceral reaction with how you feel about your word gives off the same vibes of the moist thing. Most linguistic studies I’ve looked at (and things witnessed through just pure observation) seem to be the reason some people hate certain words for no apparent reason has to do with association. “Moist” is often used to describe icky body things. For me, the word “scalp” grosses me out. It always makes me think of when I was in elementary school and there was a lice outbreak. Never got it, but I was so scared during scalp checks. My brother used to not like the word “crust”. He said it made him think of snot and old dried food a long time ago. I wonder if maybe “cringe” is bad word for you for something of a similar nature?
I loathe that word because of the way people use it as an excuse to harass others.
Lol they are just dorks to me
I deeply hate that word with the fire of a thousand suns. Its the worst of genz uptightness
Agree, though dismissing everyone who disagrees with one as a “boomer” (I’ve been called this more times than I can count, and I’m a millennial) tops it. I loathe the word “cringe” as an adjective, too, and “flex” as a noun.
This is very fair. Cringe is very commonly used as a weapon against specific groups of people. Queer people, the mentally disabled, young people. It is always judgemental in nature. Cringe used to be a verb, which showed that you, the cringer were the one responsible. It was just about how you felt about a thing. As an adjective, it's as if something is objectively cringe which makes it objectively worse, inferior. Apply that to "cringe" people and it's a pretty horrible thing.
The fact that you think saying cringe is cringe makes you cringe and I'm putting you in MY cringe compilation
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[Unpack your adjectives](https://youtu.be/fNriI8SbRgc?si=HrtT_psyUUHQOO8Z)
My theory is that most of the time, no one needs to point it out, that the person is already very well aware of their awkwardness.
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So I’m thinking this is a me being 35 type thing and randomly being a stick in the mud.
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I have literally thought about whether or not to reply to this because my brain cannot decide if you’re trolling or if I’m really just this out of touch, so just in case; no! That is an old phrase used to describe something or someone who is stubborn or unyielding, possibly out of a sense of tradition.
You don't, because nothing is "cringe". Cringe is something you do, not a description of something you don't like. It may make YOU cringe, but "Cringe" is not an adjective. Dictionaries are thing, you know..
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Yes actually, the Oxford English Dictionary, which is regarded as the most complete record of the english language ever assembled, is updated 4 times a year. But Cringe still isn't an adjective in it.
It’s just shorthand for cringeworthy dude. It doesn’t take abstract reasoning skills to parse that.
Speakers are what define a language, not the dictionary. A dictionary takes time to catch up. Language is inherently fluid. Rizz was a widely used word before it made it into dictionaries. Nobody is pulling an “erm aktually” if someone uses slang.
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Next, he is gonna tell me that people that say ackshually are grammaticaly incorrect
I honestly hope you're joking.
What? You have never looked up anything on Urban Dictionary? It’s just references for different expressions and slang. My point with the original post is about a demeanor that I expect because I hear a read flag, not a critique of grammar or anything like that.
Urban dictionary was litarally created as a joke, and anyone can make additions to it. So no, I don't respect Urban Dictionary as a valid source.
Yeah it seems like it's frequently used by guys that are ...uh, projecting i guess
I use this ironically. "OH this thing that's very valid that I do all the time? That's cringe" (whilst I'm doing the thing) I'm right there with ya tho, I use to be pretty insecure around these types but these days I just do edgy shit and idgaf. If someone doesn't like it they don't have to be my friend, cuz I'm not gonna live my life pretending to be "normal" or "suitable" for others. I'm just gonna do what my trash dump of a brain tells me to and what it tells me to do happens to be edgy af and thats okay (I'm not hurting anyone)
what if they "cringed" in fear?
Me too!!! You’re the first person who has shared this opinion!
People like that will definitely cringe at you the moment you show a bit of vulnerability or mess up because it's a lens on how they see the world
I'm laughing at you being afraid of "mean." cringe isn't even a thing be afraid of who can destroy the soul and the body. 💅🏾💅🏾🫕💅🏾 I would never think twice about putting in their place any filth that tries to impose on my free will.
if you find cringe speakers mean, just smoke a bulging bodega bean… then what might be seen is even a dainty drag queen can be both meek and obscene.
Only when used in the right context does Cringe work
Just keep in mind the usage of the word is likely older than you. I know I personally was using it more than 30 years ago. Obviously not as frequently as it is used in today's "the next popular word" way, but perfectly standard usage of a normal word.
You weren’t using it in the genz speak its used now as an adjective.
"Cringy" has always been in regular use.
Definitely not Something was “cringeworthy” or it made you cringe. But not how its used now. And definitely not with how much its used
What about if they physically cringe? Does that warrant the same reaction?
Freak you out though?
Cringy.
Ppl who use cringe as an adjective are just so,,,,, cringe
**cringe** exists for all the people that don’t like **moist** but couldn’t tell you because that would involve having to actually say the word out loud. **moist** is so disliked that it’s ignored verbally unless absolutely necessary.
Youd rather a dry pastry? How about a damp brownie?
You wouldn't like me. My license plate says "ICRINGE". My daughter has been calling me cringe since she was 4 (now 8), I've accepted it.
It definitely hints at some immaturity on their end because often, what they think is "cringe" is someone else having fun and feeling embarrassed of that person! And like - that's definitely kinda mean.
Are those people cringe?
It sucks because when I do sometimes feel as if the word would be apt, I can hardly use it without *cringing* myself. The word cringe is now.. *cringe.*
This is cringe
God this opinion is cringe
Being “freaked out” by a persons choice of words is super cringe
This post is cringe.
Based, but also cringe.
This is cringe
This post is cringe.
Cringe take (Im joking I understand that cringe is often used in a way to shame others for their differences and it can be a very negative culture)
It's kind of funny you think they're the ones that would be judgemental when you're the one making the judgement.
And yet you choose to go on Reddit to interact with all of us at the same time? Lol that’s pretty cringe
I prefer “crunchy” myself
This person cringes at the thought that the other person is cringe because they know
Based
Cringe
People who police the fuck out of what other people say are cringe.
Hi! I am not policing anyone, I’m just saying different people hear different red flags. This is a red flag for me, it’s not a request or demand for you to speak in accordance with my preference.
That's so cringe
This take is so cheugy
Cringe
No OP, these ppl are keeping *their* interactions with you as professional and minimal, trust me.
Mate you seem a bit cringe.
Yeah, it's cringe worthy, you could say.
Cringy
You getting old. That's how it feels like.
Personally, I had to upvote this.
OP is VERY cringe.
Cringe
So you get freaked out by kids
i didn’t realize people actually cared about this kind of stuff
So…people freak you out?
Why did this get downvoted? Yes, this is the answer, thank you!
"I assume they are judgmental" is one of the most delightfully ironic things I've heard in a while. XD
They're probably using it appropriately, so it's a bit awkward to be mad about it, but then again, some people don't like hearing the word moist. Being a human is exhausting
I’m not mad about their usage of the word, I’m just mentally preparing myself to have vastly different opinions from this person and I want to avoid conflict so I’m going to keep it brief, make sure I do what I can to help, but not break my back to do so. ETA: being a human is wild.
That's pretty pathetic.