A side eye refers to a nonverbal gesture, typically involving a quick sideways glance, conveying skepticism, judgment, disapproval, or sarcasm. This subtle form of expression has been popularized in memes and everyday internet culture, often used to call out questionable behavior or statements without saying a word. The phrase can be used humorously, sarcastically, or seriously, depending on the context.
Synonyms
- Skeptical glance
- Judgmental look
- Disapproving stare
- Shady look
- Doubtful glare
Sentences
- When she claimed she had never watched a single episode of “Friends,” I gave her the ultimate side eye.
- He said he was “so busy” but had time to post 10 stories on Instagram… side eye.
- The teacher gave a side eye to the student who tried to submit last week’s homework as new.
- She told me she was “not a drama person” right before stirring the biggest fight of the year. Side eye.
- When my mom saw me take a second helping of dessert, she gave me the side eye but said nothing.
Origin
The term “side eye” has been in use for decades, especially within African American Vernacular English (AAVE), where it was used to describe a particular type of shade-throwing glance. However, its modern internet popularity skyrocketed due to memes, GIFs, and viral reaction images featuring celebrities and animated characters giving exaggerated side-eye expressions.
One of the most famous examples includes Michelle Obama’s iconic side eye at a presidential event, which became an internet sensation. Another well-known case is Rihanna’s subtle but legendary award-show side eyes, which fans use as reaction images to this day.
Collocations
- Throw a side eye (She threw a side eye when he claimed he was “too busy” to call her back.)
- Give someone the side eye (The audience gave him the side eye when he started mansplaining her own research to her.)
- Receive a side eye (I knew I messed up when I received a side eye from my boss during the meeting.)
- Extreme side eye (That explanation deserves an extreme side eye.)
- Subtle side eye (She gave a subtle side eye before changing the subject.)
How to Use in Everyday Language
The phrase side eye is commonly used in informal conversations, social media captions, and memes to express disbelief or judgment. It’s often employed humorously when reacting to bizarre, hypocritical, or suspicious statements. For instance, if someone brags about how healthy they eat but is caught devouring a whole pizza, saying “Side eye.” in response perfectly captures the irony without needing further explanation.
Additionally, side eye is frequently expressed visually through GIFs or emojis, such as the eyes emoji 👀, which suggests a suspicious or judgmental glance.
How Is This Relevant Today?
With the rise of social media and meme culture, side eye has become one of the internet’s favorite ways to communicate silent disapproval. Whether it’s through reaction images, viral tweets, or everyday conversations, this expression has solidified its place in modern slang.
Influencers, celebrities, and brands frequently use side eye in their content to engage with audiences in a relatable and humorous way. The term’s versatility ensures its continued relevance in pop culture, especially as people seek short, expressive ways to convey sarcasm, skepticism, or subtle humor online.
