cringy

Etymology

cringe + -y

adj

  1. Characterised by causing feelings of embarrassment; embarrassing.
    The series features a fantastic, cringy scene set at the upfronts, and the whole show serves as an excavation of the prime-time TV life, from the high-flying ‘80s to the mystifying nows. May 4, 2008, Virginia Heffernan, “Voilà (Sort Of)!”, in New York Times
    It involved such a cringy mix of self-indulgence and vulnerability I didn't feel equipped. 2011, Rosie Scott, Faith Singer
    'You're damn right I am,' declares Ron in a cringy American accent, grabbing Andrea in a showy embrace. 2016, Catherine Ferguson, Four Weddings and a Fiasco
  2. Cringing; cowardly.
    There stepped into view a man whom Glen had not seen before. He was evidently associated with Mr. Jervice, but he did not in the least resemble him, for instead of being a cringy weakling, he was big and strong and hard. 1917, Charles Henry Lerrigo, The boy scout treasure hunters: or, The lost treasure of Buffalo Hollow
    Possibly the thing had feelings of its own; there was no knowing. Just the little cringy sort that might inveigle itself . . . 1929, The Windsor Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly for Men and Women

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