What Does Side Eyed Mean?
The term "side eyed" refers to giving someone a disapproving, judgmental, or skeptical look out of the corner of one's eye. It conveys suspicion, disdain, or disbelief towards something someone has said or done. Let's explore the origins and usages of this popular slang phrase.
Origins
"Side eye" first emerged as slang in the 1940s. It referred to looking at someone or something askance, with disapproval or contempt. In the 1990s, African American Vernacular English transformed "side eye" into a verb, popularizing the phrase "to side eye someone."
"Side eyed" came into usage as the past tense of this vernacular, indicating the act of having looked at someone judgmentally from the corner of the eye. The trend of "throwing shade" or "being shady" in the 1990s-2000s also contributed to the rise of side eyeing as a subtle way to express disdain.
What Does It Imply?
When someone is "side eyed," it implies they are on the receiving end of a sideways glance conveying emotions like:
- Suspicion
- Skepticism
- Disapproval
- Contempt
- Distrust
- Disdain
- Shade
- Judgment
This look often involves squinting, furrowing the brow, frowning or grimacing to make the judgment clear. It's meant to non-verbally communicate "I don't believe you" or "I disapprove of your actions."
When Is It Used?
People get side eyed in all sorts of situations, including when:
- They say something questionable, unbelievable or obviously false
- They do something judged as foolish, tacky or in poor taste
- They wear an outrageous or attention-seeking outfit
- They are bragging or being boastful
- They are being pretentious or putting on airs
- They are mansplaining something to a woman
- They commit a public blunder or faux pas
Essentially, side eye occurs when someone does or says something that makes others skeptical, disapproving or incredulous. Their actions elicit suspicion and cause people to glance scornfully out of the corners of their eyes.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples of how "side eyed" is used in sentences:
- I side eyed my coworker when he claimed he did the whole team's work himself.
- The runway model was side eyed for her overly theatrical poses.
- Whenever I boast about my cooking, my sister side eyes me so hard.
- The football player was side eyed by his teammates when he showed up late for practice again.
- My unrealistic plans always get side eyed by my more practical minded friends.
Why Do People Side Eye Others?
Side eyeing someone is a way to express disapproval or communicate skepticism silently. There are various reasons people may give side eye, including:
Disbelief
If someone says something highly unlikely or obviously false, side eye conveys disbelief at their claim. It's a nonverbal way of saying "yeah, right."
Judgment
People often side eye actions, outfits or behaviors they deem foolish, tacky, pretentious, or in poor taste. It's a judgment call on what they consider unacceptable or worthy of scorn.
Suspicion
Shifty behavior may elicit side eye, as people convey their suspicion and distrust through a skeptical sideways glance.
Envy
Sometimes those feeling jealous or envious of someone's beauty, talent, wealth, or possessions will side eye them out of insecurity and resentment.
Competition
Rivals in romance, sports, business, or other realms may side eye each other to nonverbally communicate contempt and dismissiveness for the competition.
Origin of the Physical Gesture
Looking at someone sideways has roots in basic psychology and body language. Reasons this gesture conveys judgment or disbelief include:
Averting Gaze
Looking away can express disapproval or signal that someone does not consider another person worthy of direct eye contact and full attention.
Narrowed Eyes
Squinting the eyes into a sideways glance creates a scrutinizing expression, similar to a raised eyebrow. It suggests concentration, disbelief, skepticism, and being closely appraised.
Discomfort
Sustained eye contact can cause discomfort. Glancing sideways breaks gaze quickly, while still allowing observation out of the corner of the eye.
Duplicity
A sidelong look has connotations of being furtive, sneaky, or duplicitous. This implication of stealth conveys covert disapproval or suspicion.
Contempt
Looking down on someone is taken as showing contempt in many cultures. A sideways glance carries this air of talking down to someone, even briefly.
Cultural Differences
Side eyeing has some cultural and generational nuances in terms of its use and implications.
African American Culture
Side eye originated from African American slang and continues to be used frequently in Black communities. It may convey connection and understanding, not just criticism.
Age Differences
Side eyeing is common youth slang, used more by millennials and Gen Z than older demographics. Older folks may be unaware of the specific "side eye" term.
Regional Differences
Just like terms like "throwing shade," side eye is more widely used and recognized in urban regions like NYC, LA, etc. than rural areas.
Gendered Usage
Some associate side eye more with women, but both men and women employ it. Contentious interactions between women are often described as "side eyeing each other."
Advice on How to React
When you notice yourself getting frequently side eyed, how should you respond?
Stay Calm
Don't get visibly upset or angry if someone side eyes you. Keep cool and carry on, as emotional reactions may amuse or empower them.
Consider Why
Reflect on whether you said or did something to warrant skepticism or disapproval. If their side eye is justified, be willing to learn from it.
Clarify
Politely clarify any misunderstanding if the side eye seems unwarranted. Provide more context so they better understand your words or behavior.
Show Maturity
Rising above it and not stooping to side eyeing them back demonstrates emotional maturity. Kill them with kindness.
Use Humor
You can try gently poking fun at the situation to defuse tension. Say something to show you notice the side eye but won't get bent out of shape by it.
Let It Go
Ultimately, a side eye glance doesn't have to ruin your day. Brush it off, give them benefit of the doubt, and let it go.
The Bottom Line
Being "side eyed" can feel disheartening in the moment. But this too shall pass. Understanding the thought behind it can help you react calmly. In most cases, a side eye look is nothing to get worked up about. Let your actions continue speaking for themselves.
FAQs
What does it mean when someone side eyes you?
When someone side eyes you, they are giving you a disapproving, skeptical, or suspicious look out of the corner of their eye. This nonverbal signal conveys judgment, contempt, or disbelief towards you and your words/actions.
Is side eye rude?
Side eyeing someone can be considered rude, as it shows visible disdain or disbelief. However, it's generally more subtle and less confrontational than directly insulting someone verbally. The intention may not always be to offend.
Where did the term side eye come from?
"Side eye" originated as slang in the 1940s and became more popular in the 1990s, especially in African American Vernacular English. The phrase "to side eye someone" led to the usage of "side eyed" as the past tense verb.
Why do people give side eye?
Common reasons for side eying someone include disbelief at something they said, judging their actions as foolish/tacky, feeling suspicious about their behavior, or envying/resenting their success.
What’s the best way to react to being side eyed?
Stay calm, consider if their skepticism is warranted, clarify any misunderstandings politely, use humor if appropriate, and don't retaliate. Ultimately, brush it off and let your actions continue speaking for themselves.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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