Internet culture
Cringe
A feeling of embarrassment or discomfort, often about something socially awkward.
In everyday use
“Reading my old captions makes me cringe.”
What to keep in mind
Calling other people cringe can become an easy way to mock harmless interests.
Also searched as: cringey
Further reading
Original explanation and example by Perspectism. Further reading may cover the wider subject, rather than this exact wording. Edition updated 7 October 2026.
More in internet culture
Page updated .