Built from the definite article the and ick, an expressive sound used for disgust. The dating sense appeared on the television series Ally McBeal in 1998 and later spread through reality television and social media.
Built from the definite article the and ick, an expressive sound used for disgust. The dating sense appeared on the television series Ally McBeal in 1998 and later spread through reality television and social media.
What does the ick mean?
The ick is a sudden feeling of disgust or dislike that often makes romantic attraction disappear.
What can give someone the ick?
Any behavior or detail can trigger the ick, from rudeness to a small personal habit.
Is the ick only about dating?
No. Dating is its best-known setting, but the ick can also describe sudden disgust toward a person, behavior, or thing.
Is the ick the same as a turn-off?
They are close, but the ick often suggests a sharper and harder-to-reverse change in feeling than a turn-off.
Is the ick formal English?
No. The ick is informal and is especially common in conversation and social media.