Gen Alpha slang · Noun
the ick
Meaning
The ick is Gen Alpha slang for sudden irreversible revulsion toward someone, used mainly by ages 12–30.
Where it came from
The fuller form of ick, already in this dictionary. Given the definite article because it is treated as a thing that arrives.
Tone check
Neutral, usually about a crush.
Used in a sentence
"I caught the ick."
Peak: 2020–2026
Age range: 12–30
Safe for adults to use
Related words
Keep decoding
goofy ahh
ridiculous
slaps
sounds excellent — usually about music
third wheel
the extra person in a group of two
parasocial
feeling you know a creator who does not know you
cooked
in serious trouble, or beyond saving
tralalero tralala
one of the original Italian brainrot characters
chronically online
so immersed in internet culture that ordinary life is confusing
eepy
sleepy, in a soft and slightly childish way