side eye

Meaning

This term refers to a sidelong glance expressing disapproval, suspicion, skepticism, or judgment. While it is a literal physical gesture, internet culture has turned it into a popular slang phrase to mock or judge weird behavior. It is highly casual and often used in humorous or sarcastic contexts.

Examples

• She gave me a massive side eye when I told her I hadn't finished my report yet.

  She gave me a massive side eye when I told her I hadn't finished my report yet.

• I could feel his side eye from across the room when I laughed too loudly.

  I could feel his side eye from across the room when I laughed too loudly.

• The dog gave me the funniest side eye when I woke him up to go for a walk.

  The dog gave me the funniest side eye when I woke him up to go for a walk.

• If you wear socks with sandals in public, you are definitely going to get some side eye.

  If you wear socks with sandals in public, you are definitely going to get some side eye.

• I had to give her a quick side eye to let her know she was talking too much.

  I had to give her a quick side eye to let her know she was talking too much.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I looked him with a side eye.

  ✓ I gave him a side eye.

  The standard idiomatic phrasing is 'to give someone a side eye' or 'to get a side eye from someone'.

• ✗ She was very side eye to me.

  ✓ She gave me a side eye.

  'Side eye' is a noun, so it cannot be used as an adjective with the verb 'to be'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When I suggested ordering pineapple pizza, my friends gave me a collective ___.

  💡 A judgmental look from the corner of the eyes.

  Show answer

  side eye

• He didn't say anything, but his dramatic ___ spoke volumes.

  💡 A look of suspicion or disapproval.

  Show answer

  side eye