- ick
What does Ick mean?
Gen Slang Word Ick is used or popularized by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Understand the definition of Ick so that we can better use it. Language is constantly evolving, especially among the younger generation. Mastering emerging slang can help adults (such as parents and teachers) better understand the way young people think and their cultural background, and avoid the gap caused by the generation gap.
The Definition of Ick
Definition: Term used to refer to a sudden feeling of disgust or repulsion to a dating partner someone was previously attracted to..
Examples: "He gave me the ick."
"Ew, that was icky."
Variations: Icky
Origin: The term in reference to dating comes from the 1999 episode "Once in a Lifetime" from the TV Show Ally McBeal. In the episode, Ally refers to not being attracted to someone as "the ick." The reality show Love Island helped popularize the term, as several cast members would use the phrase. By the early 2020s the term became very popular on social media and as a result was profiled by mainstream media outlets.
Alphabetical Index of Slang Words
Generation Z, often abbreviated as Gen Z and colloquially referred to as Zoomers, includes individuals born from 1997 to the early 2010s. The Pew Research Center defines this generation as spanning from 1997 to 2012. This definition has been acknowledged by both the United States Library of Congress and Statistics Canada. A 2022 report from the U.S. Census Bureau identifies Generation Z as those born from 1997 to 2013. Members of this generation experienced the onset and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic during their childhood or early adulthood.
Generation Alpha, or Gen Alpha, is the cohort that follows Generation Z. Researchers and popular media generally consider the early 2010s as the starting point for this generation, with the mid-2020s marking its conclusion. Generation Alpha is notable for being the first generation born entirely in the 21st century. By 2015, approximately 2.5 million individuals were born each week globally, and it is projected that Gen Alpha will reach nearly two billion in size by 2025.