When it comes to Gen Z, they always seem to be coming up with new terms, and to be honest, we can’t seem to keep track of all of them. The latest social media term popping up all over TikTok and Instagram is “The Ick” and if you’re as lost as we were, we’ve got you covered on what it means.
The term was coined by Ally on the show Ally McBeal and it’s a sudden cringe feeling you get when you have a romantic connection with someone and then you’re put off or repulsed. It’s more than a doubt, it’s a strong gut reaction.
When used on social media, it usually refers to something offputting like a bad dance move, an unattractive laugh, gross eating habits, a smell, or the way they dress, and chances are you’ve felt the feeling at least once.
The Ick can be instant, like on the first date, or it can happen later on in a relationship when someone does something that’s a huge turn-off. It often occurs during the honeymoon period, which is during the first few months of a relationship. And once you get the feeling, it’s really hard to get rid of it. When it happens, it may be best to trust your instincts and cut your losses and move on.
