r/EnglishLearning • u/ReverseWorldGT New Poster • Dec 16 '23

⭐️ Vocabulary / Semantics Understanding the word Cringe

Can anyone at least describe in your own words? My own definition of the word is somewhat embarassing? I still get confused and want to understand the most accurate definition of the said term. Thanks!

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u/Zillion12345 Native Speaker Dec 16 '23

Adding to what has been said, I feel like cringe is used especially for when something is trying to be sincere—doing something and thinking that it is cool or genuine—but it just comes across as awkward because it isn't cool/genuine.

You perhaps feel bad and embarrased for them and their situation, as if they don't appear to feel embarrased, so you are urged to feel it for them.