Top 31 Slang For Embarrassment – Meaning & Usage

Feeling a little red-faced? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a list of the top slang for embarrassment that will have you laughing at those cringe-worthy moments in no time. From “facepalm” to “cringeworthy,” we’ve got all the words you need to describe those awkward situations that we’ve all been through. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into this listicle that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even blushing a little.

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1. Cringe

To feel extreme second-hand embarrassment or discomfort from witnessing or experiencing something awkward or unpleasant.

For example, “I cringed when I saw him trip and fall in front of everyone.”
A person might say, “That movie was so cringeworthy, I couldn’t watch it.”
A user might comment on a cringey video, “I can’t handle the second-hand embarrassment, I had to stop watching.”

2. Facepalm

To slap one’s forehead with the palm of the hand out of embarrassment, frustration, or disbelief.

For instance, “I facepalmed when he made that obvious mistake.”
A person might say, “I facepalmed when my friend told a really bad joke.”
In a discussion about embarrassing moments, someone might share, “I facepalmed when I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’.”

3. Awkward sauce

An intensified form of “awkward” used to describe a situation or person that is uncomfortably embarrassing or cringe-worthy.

For example, “That date was awkward sauce, I couldn’t wait for it to be over.”
A person might say, “I felt awkward sauce when I walked into the wrong room.”
In a conversation about uncomfortable encounters, someone might share, “I ran into my ex at a party, and it was awkward sauce.”

4. Blunder

To make a clumsy or embarrassing mistake or error.

For instance, “He blundered by accidentally sending the email to the wrong recipient.”
A person might say, “I blundered by wearing mismatched shoes to work.”
In a discussion about embarrassing moments, someone might share, “I blundered by tripping and spilling coffee all over myself in front of my crush.”

5. Mortified

To feel extreme embarrassment or humiliation, often due to a public or embarrassing situation.

For example, “I was mortified when I realized my fly was open.”
A person might say, “I was mortified when my mom told embarrassing stories about me in front of my friends.”
In a conversation about embarrassing moments, someone might share, “I was mortified when I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’ in front of the whole class.”

6. Red-faced

When someone is red-faced, it means their face has turned red due to embarrassment or shame.

For example, “After tripping and falling in front of everyone, she was red-faced with embarrassment.”
A person might say, “I was so red-faced when I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’.”
In a funny situation, someone might laugh and say, “Look at him, he’s all red-faced!”

7. Sheepish

When someone is sheepish, it means they feel or show embarrassment in a shy or bashful way.

For instance, “He gave a sheepish smile after realizing he had made a mistake.”
A person might say, “I felt so sheepish when I forgot my lines during the play.”
In a situation where someone is caught doing something wrong, they might act sheepish and say, “I didn’t mean to, it was an accident.”

8. Chagrin

Chagrin refers to a feeling of distress or embarrassment caused by failure or humiliation.

For example, “She couldn’t hide her chagrin when she realized she had worn mismatched shoes.”
A person might say, “Much to my chagrin, I spilled coffee all over my white shirt.”
In a situation where someone is disappointed in themselves, they might express their chagrin by saying, “I can’t believe I forgot my own birthday!”

9. Flustered

When someone is flustered, it means they are in a state of agitated confusion or embarrassment.

For instance, “She became flustered when she realized she had lost her keys.”
A person might say, “I always get flustered when I have to speak in front of a large audience.”
In a situation where someone is overwhelmed and embarrassed, they might say, “I’m sorry, I’m just feeling flustered right now.”

10. Shamefaced

Shamefaced refers to a feeling or showing of shame or embarrassment.

For example, “He looked shamefaced after being caught cheating on the test.”
A person might say, “I felt so shamefaced when I realized I had been gossiping about my friend.”
In a situation where someone is remorseful and embarrassed, they might say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I feel shamefaced about what I said.”

11. Humiliated

When someone feels humiliated, they experience a deep sense of shame or embarrassment. It often occurs when someone is publicly criticized or ridiculed.

For example, “She felt humiliated when her presentation was mocked by her colleagues.”
A person might say, “I was humiliated when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.”
Another might express, “Being rejected by my crush in front of my friends was the most humiliating experience of my life.”

12. Abashed

To feel abashed means to feel embarrassed or ashamed, often as a result of making a mistake or being caught in an awkward situation.

For instance, “He was abashed when he realized he had been talking to the wrong person all along.”
A person might admit, “I felt abashed when I forgot my lines during the school play.”
Another might say, “I always feel a little abashed when I have to ask for help.”

13. Discomfited

To feel discomfited is to feel uneasy or embarrassed, typically as a result of being in an uncomfortable or awkward situation.

For example, “She was discomfited by the unexpected attention she received at the party.”
A person might say, “I always feel discomfited when I have to speak in front of a large audience.”
Another might express, “The awkward silence in the room made everyone feel discomfited.”

14. Squirm

When someone squirms, they feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, often due to being in a difficult or awkward situation.

For instance, “He squirmed in his seat when his embarrassing childhood photos were shown to the whole family.”
A person might say, “I can’t help but squirm when I have to talk about my failures.”
Another might admit, “I squirmed with embarrassment when I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’.”

15. Regretful

To feel regretful is to feel a sense of remorse or embarrassment, usually because of a past action or decision that one now realizes was wrong or embarrassing.

For example, “She was regretful about her behavior at the party and apologized to everyone the next day.”
A person might say, “I felt regretful after sending that angry email.”
Another might express, “I’m regretful that I didn’t speak up when I had the chance.”

16. Dismayed

Feeling shocked and disappointed, often due to an unexpected or negative event or outcome.

For example, “I was dismayed to find out that I failed the exam.”
A person might say, “I felt dismayed when I realized I had lost my wallet.”
When something goes wrong, someone might express their dismay by saying, “Well, that’s just great.”

17. Self-conscious

Feeling insecure or overly aware of oneself, often in a social or public setting.

For instance, “I always feel self-conscious when I have to give a presentation.”
A person might say, “I become self-conscious when I’m the center of attention.”
When someone feels uncomfortable with their appearance, they might say, “I’m feeling really self-conscious about my outfit today.”

18. Bashful

Being shy or easily embarrassed, often in social situations.

For example, “She’s so bashful that she blushes whenever someone compliments her.”
A person might say, “I’m too bashful to speak in front of a large crowd.”
When someone feels embarrassed by attention, they might say, “Don’t make a big fuss, I’m bashful.”

19. Guilty

Feeling remorse or responsibility for something wrong or morally questionable.

For instance, “I felt guilty after lying to my friend.”
A person might say, “I’m guilty of neglecting my responsibilities.”
When someone is caught in a lie, they might admit, “Okay, I’m guilty.”

20. Uncomfortable

Feeling uneasy or awkward, often in a physical or social context.

For example, “I feel uncomfortable in crowded spaces.”
A person might say, “I’m uncomfortable discussing my personal life with strangers.”
When someone is in an uncomfortable situation, they might say, “I can’t wait to leave, this is so uncomfortable.”

21. Disconcerted

When someone is disconcerted, they feel unsure or uncomfortable in a situation. It can also refer to feeling embarrassed or awkward.

For example, if someone trips and falls in front of a crowd, they might feel disconcerted.
A person might say, “I was completely disconcerted when I realized I had been talking to the wrong person for 10 minutes.”
In a social setting, someone might feel disconcerted if they accidentally make an inappropriate comment.

22. Cringeworthy

Cringeworthy refers to something that is so embarrassing or uncomfortable to witness that it makes you cringe. It can also describe something that is awkward or cringeworthy to experience.

For instance, a person might say, “That joke was so cringeworthy, I couldn’t help but cringe.”
If someone is telling an embarrassing story, they might say, “Get ready for a cringeworthy moment.”
A person might watch a cringeworthy scene in a movie and say, “I had to look away, it was too cringeworthy.”

23. Awkward turtle

Awkward turtle is a phrase or gesture used to acknowledge when a situation becomes awkward or uncomfortable. It is often accompanied by a hand gesture mimicking a turtle.

For example, if someone tells a bad joke and it falls flat, someone might say, “Awkward turtle.”
In a social gathering where there is a lull in conversation, someone might make the awkward turtle gesture to break the silence.
If someone accidentally says something inappropriate, they might say, “Awkward turtle” to acknowledge the mistake.

24. Blush

Blush refers to the act of turning red in the face due to embarrassment, shyness, or a strong emotional reaction. It can also describe the physical reaction of becoming flushed.

For instance, if someone receives a compliment and feels embarrassed, they might blush.
A person might say, “I could feel myself starting to blush as everyone stared at me.”
If someone is caught in a lie, they might blush as a sign of guilt or embarrassment.

25. Guilty as charged

Guilty as charged is a phrase used to admit that one is at fault or embarrassed about something they have done. It is often used humorously or sarcastically.

For example, if someone is caught in a lie, they might say, “Guilty as charged.”
If someone is accused of eating the last slice of cake, they might jokingly say, “Guilty as charged.”
A person might admit, “I was late to the meeting, guilty as charged.”

26. Flushed

When someone is embarrassed or ashamed, their face may become red due to increased blood flow. “Flushed” is a slang term used to describe this physical reaction.

For example, “She was so embarrassed that her face turned flushed.”
During an embarrassing moment, someone might say, “I could feel my cheeks getting flushed.”
A person describing their own embarrassment might say, “I turned flushed with embarrassment.”

27. Cringey

Something that is cringey is awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable to witness. It refers to something that elicits a strong negative reaction or makes you feel embarrassed on behalf of someone else.

For instance, “That joke was so cringey, nobody laughed.”
During an embarrassing situation, someone might say, “This is so cringey, I can’t watch.”
A person might describe an embarrassing video as “cringey” and warn others not to watch it.

28. Tongue-tied

When someone is tongue-tied, they are unable to speak or find themselves at a loss for words due to embarrassment or nervousness. This term is often used to describe the feeling of being unable to express oneself verbally.

For example, “I was so tongue-tied when I saw my crush that I couldn’t say a word.”
During an embarrassing moment, someone might say, “I was completely tongue-tied and couldn’t think of what to say.”
A person might describe their own embarrassment by saying, “I get tongue-tied whenever I have to give a presentation.”

29. Regrettable

Something that is regrettable is unfortunate or causes feelings of regret. It is often used to describe actions, situations, or events that are embarrassing and bring about a sense of remorse or disappointment.

For instance, “It was a regrettable mistake that I wish I could take back.”
During an embarrassing moment, someone might say, “That was a regrettable choice on my part.”
A person might reflect on their own embarrassment by saying, “It’s regrettable how I handled that situation.”

30. Faux pas

A faux pas is a social mistake or blunder that is embarrassing or inappropriate. It refers to an action or behavior that goes against accepted social norms or etiquette.

For example, “Using the wrong fork at a formal dinner is considered a faux pas.”
During an embarrassing situation, someone might say, “I made a major faux pas by accidentally insulting my boss.”
A person might describe their own embarrassment by saying, “I committed a faux pas by wearing the wrong attire to the event.”

31. Embarrassing gaffe

This term refers to a humiliating or embarrassing mistake or blunder that someone makes in a public or social setting.

For example, “He made an embarrassing gaffe by mispronouncing the guest’s name.”
During a presentation, a speaker might make an embarrassing gaffe by tripping over their words or forgetting their lines.
A politician might make an embarrassing gaffe by saying something inappropriate or offensive during a public speech.