cringe etymology

Etymology of "Cringe"

"Cringe" originates from the Middle English term "cringen," which first appeared around 1300. It is derived from the Old Norse word "kringja," meaning "to bend or twist."

Meaning of "Cringe"

"Cringe" primarily means:

• To recoil or shrink back in fear, embarrassment, or aversion:
  • "She cringed at the thought of facing her bully."
• To behave in a subservient or timid manner, especially out of fear or uncertainty:
  • "He cringed before his abusive boss."
• To be extremely embarrassed or humiliated:
  • "His cringe-worthy dance moves made everyone laugh."

Origin and Historical Usage

The original sense of " cringe" was to "bend or twist," referring to the physical action of coiling up in fear or submission. Over time, the term acquired its figurative meanings, reflecting the bodily expression of these emotions.

In the 16th century, " cringe" began to be used in a sense similar to its modern meaning, indicating behaviors that express fear, subservience, or embarrassment. By the 18th century, it had become firmly established as a term describing a range of negative reactions.

During the 20th century, " cringe" took on a more informal and slangy connotation. It is often used humorously or ironically to describe actions or behaviors perceived as overly sensitive, awkward, or embarrassing.

cringe relate terms

• crank

  Etymology Middle English cranken from Old English cranc a bend turn or twist

• cringe

  Etymology of Cringe Cringe originates from the Middle English term cringen which f

• cranky

  Etymology Middle English cranky from Old Norse kranki meaning sick weak Possibly

• crinkle

  Etymology The word crinkle is derived from the Middle English word crinclen which m

• cringe

  Etymology of Cringe Cringe originates from the Middle English term cringen which f

• flinch

  Etymology Middle English flenchen c 1300 from Anglo French flenchir from Old Frenc

• squinch

  Etymology Late 18th century from obsolete squinch squincy meaning to squint di

• shrink

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle Dutch schrinken variant of shrumpen from O

• move

  Etymology The word move is derived from the Middle English muven which in turn came

• recoil

  Etymology The word recoil has its origins in two French words reculer to move bac

• grovel

  Etymology The word grovel comes from the Middle English word grovelen which itself i

• fawn

  Etymology The word fawn originates from the Old English word fægen which meant gl

• crawl

  Etymology Middle English crawlen from Old English crawlian Proto Germanic krawlija

• quail

  Etymology The word quail comes from the Old French word quaille which is derived fro