Ick
A sudden, inexplicable feeling of disgust or revulsion toward someone you were previously attracted to, triggered by something minor — 'getting the ick' instantly kills romantic interest.
Definition
To 'get the ick' is to experience an instantaneous and often irrational wave of disgust toward a romantic partner or interest, usually triggered by something small and mundane — the way they run for a bus, how they laugh at their own jokes, or how they type with two fingers. Once the ick hits, attraction is gone and there is no coming back. The feeling is involuntary and unstoppable, which is part of what makes it a compelling concept. It differs from a deal-breaker (rational) in that the ick is visceral and disproportionate.
History
The word 'ick' as a term for disgust is long-standing in British English. Its specific usage in romantic contexts was popularized through UK Love Island, which uses the phrase regularly. TikTok accelerated its spread globally in 2022, with creators sharing increasingly absurd examples of things that gave them 'the ick' — running for a bus, struggling to open a car door, using the wrong fork. The trend revealed the performative irrationality of dating preferences and became a viral format.
Cultural scores
Editorial estimates of cultural weight — Current Popularity tracks how much people are posting about this now, not historical fame.
Current Popularity = how actively people are posting about this today. Influence = lasting footprint. Cringe = online reception. Brainrot = absurdist energy. How scoring works
Examples
- “He waved back at someone who wasn't waving at him — I got the ick immediately”
- “She seems perfect but he uses 'lol' unironically in texts and I'm getting the ick”
- “I gave him the ick by cheering too loudly at the cinema”
- “'I used to like them but I got the ick, it's over' → 'What did they do?' → 'Ordered a kids' meal'”
Related entries
Culturally linked — not random recommendations.
Simp
SlangSomeone who performs excessive attention, validation, or submission toward someone they're attracted to — typically at the expense of their own dignity.
Glow Up
SlangA dramatic personal transformation — typically in appearance, confidence, or life circumstances — from a worse version of yourself to a noticeably better one.
Red Flag / Green Flag
SlangWarning signs vs. good signs in dating and friendship — a TikTok checklist format for relationship behavior.
Situationship
SlangA romantic-ish connection with no label — more than talking, less than official.
Talking Stage
SlangThe pre-relationship phase of texting and flirting before anyone says what this actually is.
Corn Kid
MemeTariq, interviewed by Recess Therapy in September 2022, described his love for corn so vividly that the clip spread across TikTok and YouTube — then became an Auto-Tuned hit and months of affectionate memes.
References
Sources behind this entry. Prefer primary reporting and established culture archives over rumor.
- Ick — Wiktionary
en.wiktionary.org