Seitenblick
The English phrase "side eye" can be translated into German as Seitenblick.
Which one should you use?
While Seitenblick is the standard term, you may encounter other variations depending on the tone you wish to convey. For instance, schräger Blick is an informal way to say "side eye" meaning "crooked gaze", whereas Misstrauischer Blick (distrustful gaze) and skeptischer Blick (skeptical gaze) are more formal options.
Did you know?
- In much of Germany, a silent, prolonged Blick (gaze) can be seen as much more confrontational and aggressive than the same look would be in many English-speaking cultures.
- The German language has a specific word Augenbrauenhochziehen for the act of raising one's eyebrows, which frequently accompanies a Seitenblick to signal extreme skepticism.
- The adjective schräg in schräger Blick can also mean 'weird' or 'eccentric' in German slang, adding a layer of judgment about the person's character, not just the angle of the eye.
Examples in context
- Ich bemerkte ihren kurzen Seitenblick.I noticed her short side eye.
- Er gab mir einen bösen Seitenblick.He gave me an angry side eye.
- Ein schneller Seitenblick genügte.A quick side eye was enough.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about a mutual friend's reaction.
- LauraHast du ihren Seitenblick bemerkt?Did you notice her side eye?
- FelixJa, Felix hat sie wohl genervt.Yes, Felix probably annoyed her.
- LauraDieser Seitenblick war wirklich deutlich.That side eye was really obvious.
- FelixDas stimmt, sie war nicht glücklich.That's true, she wasn't happy.
