# side eye

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/side-eye
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

a look where you turn your eyes to the side without moving your head. You use it to show that you do not trust someone, you are annoyed, or you think they are being silly.

For teachers: a sidelong glance expressing suspicion, disapproval, or contempt. Often used in digital contexts to describe a specific facial expression of judgment.

## Examples

- She gave him a side eye when he made that joke.
- The librarian gave the noisy teenagers a sharp side eye to signal they needed to be quiet.
- While she didn't say anything out loud, her subtle side eye made it perfectly clear that she found his explanation for the missing files entirely unconvincing.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a compound noun; can also function as a verb in informal contexts ('to side-eye someone').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.