Cringe: meaning, what it is and why the expression went viral
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If there's one expression that has taken over the world since 2020, it's the word cringe! But do you know the meaning of the word 'cringe'?
You don't need to be a regular internet user to know what we're going to talk about today.
The term 'cringe' may have even emerged through social media, but the strength it has gained over time has meant that the word has become an expression also used outside of the online world.
But could you tell me what the meaning of this expression is and why it became so famous that it went beyond the internet and reached the offline world?
Here in this content you will find out! In this material, we will explain everything about this expression that has taken over the world and become one of the most used terms since the end of 2020.
What does the expression 'cringe' mean?
There’s nothing better than starting from the beginning to understand the expression.
Contrary to what it may seem, the term 'cringe' is not an adjective, but rather a verb. In the English language, the expression is used to cringe and has two meanings.
In the most literal translation, to cringe would mean something like “to cower” (in fear).
In a more abstract meaning, if we were to translate it, it would be something like an embarrassing situation or even the famous second-hand embarrassment.
Here in Brazil, the term adopted was the second.
But as Brazilians love to adapt expressions from other languages and give them a new meaning, the word cringe did not escape this 'Brazilianization'.
The term began to be used here as an adjective. This caused the term to be widely used for something shameful, tacky, outdated or even forced.
And modesty aside, our use of cringe has gotten a lot better, huh!
How did this expression come about?
Although the term has become quite popular with social networks – you will understand the reasons better in the next topic – the origin of the expression is not exactly in the online world.
The term cringe is used to define a comedy genre of English origin.
Cringe comedy is a type of humor that relies on social awkwardness.
You know that kind of situation that is so embarrassing that it's a little distressing to watch? That would basically be it!
A very famous series that uses a similar resource in its script is The Office. With two versions – one British and one North American – the series follows a fake documentary, the plot follows the work routine of an office.
Despite appearing to be a peaceful scenario, the characters in the series go through certain situations – and adopt peculiar attitudes, to say the least – that leave anyone with this feeling.
The vast majority of these scenes are performed by the protagonist Michael Scott, the office manager.
Played brilliantly by Steve Carell, the character gets involved in every type of situation – and has the best possible reactions.
He is the true embodiment of the word cringe.
What does the viralization of the term 'cringe' mean?
If you are a regular user of social media and trending topics, you know that the reason the term cringe went viral was because of a “fight” between two very specific types of audience: Millennials and Generation Z.
Before we talk about how the expression cringe went viral, let's contextualize these two types of audience.
The meaning of Millennials
The term Millennials is used to refer to people born between 1981 and 1995.
Also known as Generation Y, this audience represented the vast majority of internet users until mid-2010. But that was before the arrival of Generation Z.
The meaning of Generation Z
Generation Z represents everyone born from 1996 to 2010.
Unlike Millennials, this generation was born much more connected and already immersed in new technologies and all the conveniences they can bring.
It may seem like something simple, but the differences and rivalry between the two generations were the main reason why the term cringe became known throughout the world.
The viralization of the meaning of the expression 'cringe'
Now that you're more familiar with this little feud between Millennials and Generation Z and the meaning of the term 'cringe', we can talk about its viralization.
It turns out that, through social media – mainly TikTok and Twitter – some of the users who are part of Generation Z have started to list actions and things that they consider 'cringe'.
And since most of the characteristics they present are part of the daily lives and habits of Millennials, the word 'cringe' has become the center of a discussion about the habits of both generations.
Among the habits and actions cited by Generation Z as 'cringe' are:
Skinny pants, liking coffee, talking about bills, liking – and drinking – coffee, using emojis while chatting on the internet, watching soap operas, liking Disney characters, using FDS to shorten the weekend, using Facebook, using hashtags, being nostalgic about the past, liking Friends, ordering a pint at the bar, French manicure, listening to rock, liking Harry Potter, laughing via text message using 'rs' and even having breakfast.
And these are just some of the habits that Generation Z considers 'cringe' in Millennials! Which ones do you have?
Conclusion
Did you understand a little about the meaning of 'cringe' and how the term has become popular in recent times?
This type of movement may seem like something new, but it is not. It is very common for the current generation to question certain habits of previous generations.
In the not-so-distant future, the next generation will certainly also question the habits adopted by Generation Z.
But, despite all this movement caused by the use of the term, it is important to remember that there is no rule that determines how a certain audience or generation should behave or what habits to follow.
But now that you know more about the topic and what Generation Z considers 'cringe', I ask you: are you 'cringe' or not?
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