Side-Eye
what it means
Often typed as 👀 or described in text — "side-eyeing this decision". It registers doubt without committing to an argument.
A sceptical or disapproving look, or the written equivalent of one.
the origin story
A long-standing physical gesture; the phrase became internet vocabulary through Black Twitter in the 2010s.
It transferred to text remarkably well because the eyes emoji does most of the work. "Side-eyeing" as a verb became standard for expressing suspicion about a decision, a person or a brand's behaviour.
in the wild
He said he'd definitely be on time.
Side-eyeing that heavily.
They raised prices and shrank the packet.
👀
how to use it
- Expressing scepticism without an argument
- Reacting to suspicious decisions
- Comments and chats
- Where you owe someone a direct response
- In professional communication
- As a substitute for raising a real concern
related terms
receipts
Community feedback
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