What is Cringe?

Calling all vocabulary champions! This week, we’re putting your word skills to the test. Can you guess what “cringe” means? Read on to find out and unlock a whole new level of vocabulary power!

What does cringe mean? In this video, we’ll learn the definition, synonyms, antonyms, and how to use the word in a sentence. If you have an instrument, you can even play along using the chords provided in the video.

Cringe

ˈkrinj

Cringe is to have an inward feeling of embarrassment and awkwardness. It means to wince to squirm to flinch and not be bold and confident.

Word Background

Imagine you’re at a school talent show and your friend gets up to sing. They’re really excited, but maybe they’re a little off-key or forget the words.  If that makes you feel a little embarrassed for them (even though you know they’re trying their best!), then you’re experiencing a cringe!

A cringe is like a shiver or a flinch, but it happens because you feel secondhand embarrassment for someone else. It’s like your body is saying, “Oh no, that’s a bit awkward!”

Sometimes you might even cringe at yourself! Maybe you trip and fall in front of your crush, or accidentally call your teacher “Mom.”  That feeling of wanting to hide in a hole because you’re embarrassed for yourself? That’s a cringe too!

So, a cringe is that feeling of awkwardness or secondhand embarrassment that makes you want to squirm in your seat.

Example Sentence

Just the thought of eating broccoli makes me cringe.

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