side-eye

noun

ˈsīd-ˌī 

variants or less commonly side eye

: a sidelong glance or gaze especially when expressing scorn, suspicion, disapproval, or veiled curiosity

The guy who stole your heart as the class clown can seem like just a clown out of his original context, like when people are giving him side-eye for cracking lame jokes in the hostess line.

—Lauren Panariello

—often used with the

… the singular focus on results washes away concerns about getting the side-eye from a colleague judging you for not being in your cubicle …

—The Chicago Tribune

side-eye verb, transitive + intransitive

She wears clothes that would have Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope side-eyeing in envy.

—Kevin Fallon

Examples of side-eye in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To give your glass that freshly chilled feeling without risking the side-eye from a French winemaker, opt for stainless-steel wands like these, which quickly cool the wine without diluting it or imparting any flavors. —Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024

But instead of good-girl manners and demure makeup looks, it’s served with a side of side-eye and often a makeup look, outfit, or attitude that has a bit more edge. —Elle Turner, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2024

Brows furrow, lips purse, and side-eyes are flicked — deliciously. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024

Both a fun opportunity for Charles Edwards’s side-eye and a reminder for LOTR fans that the ringwraiths are coming! —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above