Top 27 Slang For Embarrassed – Meaning & Usage

Feeling red-faced and flustered? We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve had a cringe-worthy moment or just feeling a tad sheepish, we’ve got your back. Our team has rounded up the top slang for feeling embarrassed, so you can navigate those awkward situations with style and a touch of humor. Let’s dive in and embrace the language of embarrassment together!

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1. Red-faced

When someone is red-faced, it means their face turns red due to embarrassment or shame. It is a physical reaction to feeling embarrassed.

For example, “She was so embarrassed by her mistake that she turned red-faced.”
Another example, “He couldn’t help but feel red-faced when he tripped in front of everyone.”
In a funny situation, someone might say, “I was red-faced when I accidentally walked into the wrong bathroom.”

2. Blushing

Blushing is similar to being red-faced and refers to the act of one’s face turning red due to embarrassment, shyness, or attraction.

For instance, “She couldn’t help but blush when her crush complimented her.”
In an embarrassing moment, someone might say, “I could feel myself blushing as I realized my mistake.”
A person discussing a shy character might say, “The character’s blushing face revealed their feelings of embarrassment.”

3. Sheepish

When someone is sheepish, they feel or look embarrassed or bashful, often due to having done something wrong or foolish.

For example, “He gave a sheepish smile after accidentally knocking over the vase.”
In a situation where someone is caught in a lie, they might look sheepish.
A person might say, “I felt sheepish when I realized I had been mispronouncing a word for years.”

4. Mortified

When someone is mortified, they feel extreme embarrassment or humiliation, often due to a public or embarrassing situation.

For instance, “She was mortified when her presentation had a major technical glitch.”
In a humiliating moment, someone might say, “I was absolutely mortified when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.”
A person might feel mortified after accidentally sending a private message to the wrong recipient.

5. Awkward

Awkward refers to a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment in a social situation, often due to a lack of social skills or a mismatch in expectations.

For example, “The conversation turned awkward when nobody knew how to respond.”
In an uncomfortable encounter, someone might say, “It was so awkward when we ran into each other after our breakup.”
A person might feel awkward when they accidentally make a joke that nobody finds funny.

6. Flustered

When someone is flustered, they feel agitated and disoriented, often due to being caught off guard or overwhelmed. It is a state of being both nervous and confused.

For example, “She became flustered when she realized she forgot her lines on stage.”
A person might say, “I always get flustered when I have to speak in public.”
Another might describe their reaction to a surprise, “I was so flustered when everyone jumped out and yelled ‘surprise!'”

7. Chagrined

Chagrined is a more formal term for feeling embarrassed or humiliated. It often implies a sense of disappointment or frustration with oneself.

For instance, “He felt chagrined after realizing he had made a mistake in front of his boss.”
A person might say, “I was chagrined when I tripped and spilled coffee all over myself.”
Another might express their chagrin after a social blunder, “I was so chagrined when I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’ in class.”

8. Self-conscious

When someone is self-conscious, they are excessively aware of themselves and how they are perceived by others. It often leads to feelings of embarrassment and a lack of confidence.

For example, “She felt self-conscious in her new outfit because she thought everyone was staring at her.”
A person might say, “I always feel self-conscious when I have to give a presentation.”
Another might describe their self-consciousness at a social event, “I become so self-conscious at parties that I avoid making eye contact with anyone.”

9. Shamefaced

Shamefaced describes a feeling of guilt or shame that often accompanies embarrassment. It implies a sense of wrongdoing or regret.

For instance, “He looked shamefaced after being caught in a lie.”
A person might say, “I felt shamefaced when I realized I had accidentally insulted someone.”
Another might describe their shamefaced reaction to a mistake, “I was so shamefaced when I realized I had sent the email to the wrong recipient.”

10. Abashed

Abashed is a term that describes feeling embarrassed or disconcerted, often due to a sense of inadequacy or being caught off guard.

For example, “She was abashed when she realized she had mispronounced a word in front of the entire class.”
A person might say, “I always feel abashed when I receive a compliment.”
Another might describe their abashed reaction to an unexpected situation, “I was so abashed when I walked into the wrong meeting room.”

11. Crestfallen

This term describes a feeling of extreme sadness or disappointment, often as a result of embarrassment or failure.

For example, “He felt crestfallen after his presentation went poorly.”
A person might say, “I was crestfallen when I realized I had spilled coffee all over my new shirt.”
In a movie review, a critic might write, “The protagonist’s crestfallen expression perfectly captured the character’s sense of defeat.”

12. Discomfited

This word describes the feeling of being uncomfortable or embarrassed in a situation.

For instance, “He was discomfited by the attention he received at the party.”
A person might say, “I always feel discomfited when I have to speak in front of a large audience.”
In a book review, a reader might comment, “The author skillfully portrays the discomfited emotions of the main character.”

13. Squirming

This term refers to the physical and emotional discomfort experienced when feeling embarrassed or awkward.

For example, “She couldn’t help but squirm in her seat during the embarrassing moment.”
A person might say, “I was squirming with embarrassment when I tripped in front of everyone.”
In a comedy show review, a critic might write, “The comedian had the audience squirming with laughter and secondhand embarrassment.”

14. Humiliated

This word describes the intense feeling of shame or embarrassment that comes from a humiliating experience.

For instance, “He was humiliated when his mistake was pointed out in front of his colleagues.”
A person might say, “I felt humiliated when I realized I had been wearing my shirt inside out all day.”
In a news article, a journalist might report, “The athlete’s poor performance left him feeling humiliated in front of his fans.”

15. Uncomfortable

This term describes a general sense of unease or embarrassment in a situation.

For example, “He felt uncomfortable when his friends started discussing personal topics.”
A person might say, “I always feel uncomfortable when I have to make small talk at parties.”
In a movie review, a critic might write, “The film effectively captures the uncomfortable tension between the two main characters.”

16. Bashful

This word describes someone who is easily embarrassed or lacks confidence in social situations.

For example, “She became bashful when everyone started singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.”
In a conversation about public speaking, someone might say, “I used to be so bashful, but now I feel more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.”
A friend might tease, “Don’t be so bashful, just ask them out on a date!”

17. Flushed

When someone is embarrassed, their face may turn red due to increased blood flow. “Flushed” refers to this physical reaction.

For instance, “She felt so embarrassed that her face flushed bright red.”
In a discussion about embarrassing moments, someone might say, “I was so flushed when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.”
A friend might sympathize, “I could tell she was embarrassed because her cheeks were flushed.”

18. Cringe

To “cringe” is to feel a strong sense of embarrassment or discomfort, often in response to something awkward or embarrassing.

For example, “I cringed when he told that embarrassing story about himself.”
In a conversation about bad jokes, someone might say, “That pun is so cringe-worthy.”
A friend might admit, “I cringe every time I think about that embarrassing moment from high school.”

19. Facepalm

When someone is extremely embarrassed or frustrated, they may cover their face with their hand in a gesture known as a “facepalm.”

For instance, “I couldn’t believe what he said. I had to facepalm to hide my embarrassment.”
In a discussion about cringe-worthy moments, someone might say, “I facepalmed when I realized I had been talking to the wrong person.”
A friend might joke, “I facepalm every time I remember that embarrassing dance move you tried.”

20. Blush

When someone is embarrassed, their face may turn red due to increased blood flow. “Blush” refers to this physical reaction.

For example, “She couldn’t help but blush when he complimented her.”
In a conversation about first dates, someone might say, “I always blush when I get nervous.”
A friend might tease, “Look at you, blushing like a schoolgirl!”

21. Squirm

– When he realized he had forgotten his lines, he started to squirm in his seat.

She squirmed with embarrassment as everyone stared at her.
The awkward silence made him squirm in his chair.

22. Hang one’s head

– After being caught cheating, he hung his head in shame.

She hung her head in embarrassment when she realized her mistake.
The student hung his head when his teacher scolded him in front of the class.

23. Cover one’s face

– She covered her face with her hands when she tripped and fell.

The child covered his face with a book when he was caught misbehaving.
He covered his face with a hat to hide his embarrassment.

24. Flush

– When he was caught lying, his face flushed with embarrassment.

She couldn’t help but flush when everyone started laughing at her joke.
The compliment made her flush with happiness.

25. Humble pie

– After losing the competition, he had to eat humble pie and congratulate the winner.

She had to eat humble pie and apologize for her rude behavior.
The politician had to eat humble pie after his scandal was exposed.

26. Put to shame

This phrase is used to describe a feeling of extreme embarrassment or humiliation. It implies that someone’s actions or behavior have caused them to feel inferior or inadequate in comparison to others.

For example, if someone fails a test and all their friends pass with flying colors, they might say, “I was put to shame by my friends’ excellent scores.”
In a competition, if someone performs poorly while others excel, they might feel “put to shame” by their lackluster performance.
A person might express their embarrassment by saying, “I was put to shame when I tripped and fell in front of everyone at the party.”

27. Ashamed

This term is used to describe the feeling of deep embarrassment or guilt that comes from doing something wrong or making a mistake. It suggests a sense of regret or remorse for one’s actions or behavior.

For instance, if someone lies to their friend and gets caught, they might feel deeply ashamed of their dishonesty.
A person might say, “I’m so ashamed of myself for forgetting my best friend’s birthday.”
When someone realizes they have hurt someone else’s feelings, they might feel ashamed of their insensitivity.