interjection
ick
ihk
Ick (interjection) means used to express disgust or revulsion. Example: “Ick, there's mould on this bread," she said, dropping it in the bin.”
interjection
1
Used to express disgust or revulsion.
""Ick, there's mould on this bread," she said, dropping it in the bin."
noun
1
Informal: a sudden feeling of revulsion or being put off by someone, especially in dating slang.
"He got the ick when she chewed with her mouth open."
"One weird laugh and I caught the ick immediately."
How to use ick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short exclamation of disgust, or (in current slang) that sudden turn-off feeling toward someone you were into.
When to use it
Very informal; common in speech and social media, not in formal writing.
Common pairings
get the ick
give someone the ick
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ick.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- icks
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, there's mould on this bread," she said, dropping it in the bin.
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".
Class of 1940
ick joined the language around 1940.
See the full Class of 1940 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for ick
See all rhymes for 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.
