stink eye Meaning

Stink Eye

Definition:
“Stink eye” is a colloquial expression used to describe a facial expression or a look of disdain, disapproval, or displeasure directed at someone. It often conveys strong negative feelings and can serve as a non-verbal way to criticize or express contempt without using words.

Usage:
The phrase is often used in informal contexts and can apply to various social situations. For example, one might say, “When she heard his rude comment, she gave him the stink eye,” indicating that the person was visibly upset and communicated that feeling through her expression.

Etymology:
The term “stink eye” combines the word “stink,” which historically refers to something that smells bad, and “eye,” indicating that the expression involves the eyes. The phrase suggests an expression that metaphorically “smells bad” due to the negative emotions it conveys. The specific origins of the phrase are somewhat unclear, but it has been in popular usage since at least the mid-20th century in American English.

Pronunciation:
/stɪŋk aɪ/

Synonyms:

• Glare
• Scowl
• Frown
• Dismissive look
• Dirty look

Antonyms:

• Smile
• Grin
• Friendly gaze
• Approving look

In summary, “stink eye” is an idiomatic expression used to convey disapproval or disdain through a specific look, characterized by its informal nature and emotional intensity.

1. When she walked into the meeting late, several colleagues shot her the stink eye for disrupting the presentation.
2. I could feel the stink eye from my neighbor after my dog barked all night.
3. At the restaurant, the waiter gave us the stink eye for taking too long to decide our order.
4. After making a snide comment, he quickly received the stink eye from his friends.
5. She noticed the stink eye from the teacher when she whispered during the lecture.

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