CRINGE meaning: 1. to suddenly move away from someone or something because you are frightened: 2. to feel very…. Learn more. There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word cringe. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. The word 'cringe' originated from the Old English verb 'cringan', meaning 'to yield or give way in servile fear'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the early 21st century, where it is commonly used in social media and internet culture to describe feelings of discomfort or embarrassment. What Does “Cringe” Mean? At its core, “cringe” refers to a feeling of embarrassment or discomfort caused by witnessing someone else’s awkward, inappropriate, or socially inept behavior. It’s both a noun and a verb, allowing it to describe the sensation itself or the act that triggers it.
