Cringe Meaning in English

word

US

ˈkɹɪndʒ

KRINJ

UK

kɹˈɪndʒ

kr-INJ

Definition

To physically pull back or feel deep embarrassment or discomfort, often because something is awkward, embarrassing, or painful to watch. Commonly used informally to describe emotional discomfort.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and slangy, popular online. Used for emotional rather than literal reactions; often about social embarrassment. Can be both a verb ('I cringe') and noun ('That's such a cringe moment'). Frequently paired with 'at' ('I cringed at his joke'). Avoid in formal writing.

• Spanish: encogerse (de vergüenza) - avergonzarse
• Portuguese (BR): sentir vergonha alheia - encolher-se
• Portuguese (PT): envergonhar-se - sentir vergonha alheia
• Chinese (Simplified): 感到尴尬 - 畏缩
• Chinese (Traditional): 感到尷尬 - 畏縮
• Hindi: शर्मिंदा होना - संकुचित होना
• Arabic: يشعر بالإحراج - يتقلص (من الخجل)
• Bengali: বিকট অস্বস্তি লাগা - কুঁকড়ে যাওয়া (অস্বস্তিতে)
• Russian: испытывать стыд - съёживаться (от неловкости)
• Japanese: 恥ずかしくなる - 身をすくめる
• Vietnamese: rụt người lại (vì xấu hổ) - cảm thấy xấu hổ
• Korean: 오글거리다 - 몸을 움츠리다 (민망해서)
• Turkish: utanmak - irkilmek (utançtan)
• Urdu: شرمندہ ہونا - منہ چھپانا (شرمندگی سے)
• Indonesian: merinding (karena malu/canggung) - merasa malu

Example Sentences

I always cringe when I see old photos of myself.

basic

Her joke made everyone cringe at the party.

basic

Sometimes bad movies make me cringe.

basic

That awkward silence after his comment made me really cringe.

natural

Some reality TV shows just make me cringe so hard I have to look away.

natural

He tried to act cool but it was so fake, everyone just cringed.

natural