side eye

USAGE SUMMARY

"side eye" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it in informal contexts to describe an expression given when someone looks at someone else for a brief moment out of the corner of their eye and usually conveys a feeling of disapproval or mistrust. For example, "He gave me a suspicious side eye when I asked if he had taken my pen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But with one big side eye.

The Washington Post

It's getting a lot of side eye this morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They just sort of stand there, chewing their cud and giving onlookers the side eye.

The New Yorker

She giggles, Kalinda gives her quality side eye.

Huffington Post

Sometimes my whole life is a deep side eye!

Huffington Post

Anyone who actually opened the article would certainly look at it with a side eye.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Or is he cutting that slightly judgmental side-eye on the one dollar bill?

The Washington Post

Martinis splashed in faces, dancers giving side-eye, heels clicking in midtown: check, check, check.

The New Yorker

I would eat pastries as 2 p.m. without anyone around to give me a side-eye.

The Washington Post

When white women say "we," the side-eye from African American women swiftly follows.

The Washington Post

But his braggadocio is two parts lyrical one-upmanship, one part side-eye commentary on braggadocio.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "side eye" to inject personality and express nuanced disapproval without being overly aggressive. It's particularly effective in informal writing and dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "side eye" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. It's generally considered too informal and may detract from the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side eye" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a specific type of glance that conveys disapproval or suspicion. As seen in Ludwig, it can also be used as a verb, such as in the example: "giving side-eye".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side eye" is a common and informal way to describe a look of disapproval or suspicion. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media. While its casual nature makes it unsuitable for formal writing, it's a valuable tool for injecting personality and expressing nuanced emotions in more relaxed contexts. Related phrases like ""suspicious glance"" or ""disapproving look"" can be used for similar effect, but lack the same level of informality. When used thoughtfully, "side eye" can be an effective way to express yourself in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspicious glance

Focuses on the element of suspicion in the look.

disapproving look

Highlights the disapproval conveyed by the expression.

dubious stare

Emphasizes the doubt and uncertainty in the gaze.

skeptical gaze

Highlights the skepticism conveyed in the look.

contemptuous look

Focuses on the element of contempt or disdain.

raised eyebrow

Indicates disbelief or skepticism through a facial gesture.

dirty look

Conveys strong disapproval or anger.

scornful glance

Emphasizes the feeling of scorn or disdain in the look.

wary gaze

Highlights the caution and distrust in the look.

glare of disapproval

Strongly emphasizes the disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "side eye" in a sentence?

You can use "side eye" to describe a look of disapproval or suspicion. For example, "She gave him a quick side eye when he made a questionable joke."

What are some synonyms for "side eye"?

Alternatives include "suspicious glance", "disapproving look", or "skeptical gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "side eye" appropriate in formal writing?

Generally, "side eye" is considered informal and is best reserved for casual or creative writing. In formal contexts, opt for more neutral or descriptive language.

What does it mean when someone gives you "side eye"?

It typically means they are expressing disapproval, suspicion, or disbelief without directly confronting you. The intensity of the "side eye" can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.