ick
3 synonyms for ick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Used to express disgust or revulsion.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
get the ick
give someone the ick
Very informal; common in speech and social media, not in formal writing.
Etymology
An imitative word first recorded around the 1940s, echoing the sound of disgust; it has recently been revived in online dating slang for "the ick".
Full origin of ick →Frequently asked questions
What does “ick” mean?
The word “ick” means used to express disgust or revulsion. In plain terms, a short exclamation of disgust, or (in current slang) that sudden turn-off feeling toward someone you were into.
How do you pronounce “ick”?
“Ick” is pronounced ihk (/ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ick” in a sentence?
Here is “ick” used in a sentence: “"Ick, there's mould on this bread," she said, dropping it in the bin.”
What part of speech is “ick”?
Depending on how it is used, “ick” can be an interjection and a noun.
Where does the word “ick” come from?
The word “ick” dates back to around 1940. An imitative word first recorded around the 1940s, echoing the sound of disgust; it has recently been revived in online dating slang for "the ick".
How many meanings does “ick” have?
“Ick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to express disgust or revulsion.
