Tatiana in San Antonio, Texas, wonders about the expression to give someone the hairy eyeball, meaning “to look askance at someone.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Give Someone the Hairy Eyeball” Hi there...
In many cultures, tugging at one’s lower eyelid is an expression of skepticism, as if to indicate that the person is being watchful and alert and won’t be taken in. In the United States, the gesture may be accompanied by a phrase like “Do you see...
Paula in Indianapolis asks about hairy eyeball, the scowling, squinty look her parents gave her brother. Slang dictionaries record the phrase, with evidence going back at least 40 or 50 years, though earlier examples may exist. It doesn’t appear to...
skunk eye n. a facial expression of distrust or dislike; stink eye. Editorial Note: This term seems to have been popularized by American talk show host David Letterman. It is often used with the definite article: the skunk eye. (source: Double...
stink eye n. a facial expression of doubt, distrust, or dislike; a dirty look; skunk eye, the hairy eyeball. Etymological Note: There is inconclusive evidence that this term originated in Hawaii and spread through beach sports such as surfing and...