ick

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

A sudden feeling of disgust or repulsion for something one was previously attracted to.

Register: informalEra: 2020s

Where it’s used: Used American English • Gen Z / internet register
Sources & notes

Adapted from Wikipedia “Glossary of 2020s slang” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30). US Gen Z / internet usage.

Common questions

What does “ick” mean?

A sudden feeling of disgust or repulsion for something one was previously attracted to.

Is “ick” formal or informal?

ick is generally informal.