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ick factor
What does ick factor mean?
The measure of how off-putting or repellent a trait or thing is. A high "ick factor" means strong instinctive disgust.
"Chewing with his mouth open had a serious ick factor."
Origin
From "ick" plus "factor," dating-slang extension.
Frequently asked questions
What does "ick factor" mean?
It's how much something makes you cringe or feel instinctive disgust — the higher the ick factor, the more off-putting it is.
How is "ick factor" used in dating?
It describes a trait or behaviour that instantly turns you off someone, like a mannerism you suddenly can't unsee.
Where does "ick factor" come from?
It extends "the ick" — that sudden wave of disgust — by adding "factor" to talk about the degree of it.
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