ick
The "ick" refers to a sudden, visceral feeling of disgust or repulsion toward someone, often someone you were previously attracted to or interested in. The mental image is of a physical recoil—like seeing something slimy or unhygienic—that instantly kills any romantic spark or positive opinion. It is almost exclusively used in informal, conversational settings, particularly when discussing dating and social interactions. The term implies that the trigger is often something trivial or specific, like a particular habit or mannerism, which makes the feeling feel irrational yet impossible to ignore.
In conversation
Discussing a date
So, how was the date with Mark?
So, how was the date with Mark?
It was going great until he started eating his peas one by one with a toothpick. Total ick.
It was going great until he started eating his peas one by one with a toothpick. Total ick.
Used to describe a specific behavior that ruins attraction.
Texting a friend
Are you still seeing Dave?
Are you still seeing Dave?
Nah, I got the ick. He sent me a voice note of himself singing and I just couldn't do it anymore.
Nah, I got the ick. He sent me a voice note of himself singing and I just couldn't do it anymore.
Often used with the verb 'get' to describe the onset of the feeling.
Examples
I really liked him until I saw him treat the waiter rudely, and suddenly I just got the ick.
I really liked him until I saw him treat the waiter rudely, and suddenly I just got the ick.
It’s hard to explain, but his obsession with matching his socks to his tie gives me the ick.
It’s hard to explain, but his obsession with matching his socks to his tie gives me the ick.
She felt an immediate ick when he started narrating his own actions while they were playing video games.
She felt an immediate ick when he started narrating his own actions while they were playing video games.
