Slang dossier
Ick
Pronounced ik
A sudden feeling of being put off, often by something small about a crush or partner. “The ick” can be playful, but the feeling is not proof that someone has done something wrong.
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In a sentence
How it sounds
Illustrative examples
- “That rude comment gave me the ick.”
- “She said loud chewing was her completely random ick.”
Where teens use it
The habitat
Dating discussions, relationship videos and lists of personal turn-offs.
Parent briefing
What parents should know
Separate a preference from a meaningful red flag. Someone can stop dating without publicly humiliating the other person. Ask whether the issue is compatibility, disrespect or a harmless habit.
Keep decoding
Related terms
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