What does Side Eye mean?
Side eye is a look given out the corner of the eyes, used in slang to express skepticism, disapproval, or subtle judgment.
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Slang. Also written side eye, sideeye, bombastic side eye.
Where it comes from
Print references date back to 1797, while the verb appeared in 1916 and James Joyce used it in Ulysses in 1922. It gained internet fame through the Side-Eyeing Chloe viral GIF in 2013 and Michelle Obama in 2017. In early 2023, viral audio trends on TikTok turned the phrase into a global meme format.
How it is actually used
The term functions as both a literal physical reaction and a flexible verb or catchphrase. It is used across demographics on TikTok, X, and Instagram to signal playful skepticism or subtle disapproval. Misuse often involves overusing late-stage viral variations like "bombastic side eye" long after the trend cycle has peaked. On a brand account, directing side eye at followers can easily read as passive-aggressive.
Examples
- "giving this whole situation a massive side eye"
- "the way they said that had me side-eyeing my phone"
- "bombastic side eye, criminal offensive side eye"
Can a brand use it? Depends on context
Side eye can come across as passive-aggressive or mean-spirited if pointed at customers or sensitive subjects. Stick to lighthearted industry tropes and avoid outdated viral variations.
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does side eye mean?
It refers to looking out the corner of your eyes to signal disapproval, judgment, or skepticism.
Where did side eye come from?
Written records go back to 1797, but its modern viral spread was driven by memes in 2013, 2017, and TikTok trends in early 2023.
What is bombastic side eye?
It is a viral TikTok audio variation from early 2023 used to dramatically emphasise judgment or distrust.
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