Meaning and usage of the word cringe in English

The word "cringe" has a fascinating history! The term originated in the 15th century, derived from the Old English word "cringan," which means "to bend low" or "to crouch." Initially, it was used to describe the physical act of bowing or bending in submission, often in a fearful or humiliating manner. Over time, the connotation of the word shifted, and by the 17th century, "cringe" came to mean "to behave like a cringer" – someone who is abjectly subservient, servile, or excessively deferential. This sense of shame and humiliation is still associated with the word today. In modern times, the term has also evolved to describe a sense of embarrassment, awkwardness, or discomfort, particularly in response to something cheesy, corny, or embarrassing – as in "this song is gonna make me cringe."