A word that describes someone or something that deviates from the norms of a particular group. The word has become more popular along with the 1. rise of social media and 2. identity politics. In other words, social media has created an environment in which identity within a particular social or political group (E.g. leftist, feminist, conservative, LGBTQ, "person of color," antifa, free-speech supporters) has become valued over individuality and nuance, and therefore anyone who acts outside of strictly defined group norms stands out, even to the point of potentially beings seen as untrustworthy. "Cringey" is a word used to describe behavior that does not fit neatly within prescribed social limits and makes members of the group who strongly identify with those social limits uncomfortable.
It was so cringey when my friend, who I thought shared my leftist political beliefs said "it's ok to be white" even though he said it was a joke.
by meowkitten551 October 10, 2018
by That's_cringey_becky May 31, 2019
by Lkn July 4, 2022
by Takethejump January 7, 2021
by Cringey Kids February 4, 2017