Top 29 Slang For Skeptical – Meaning & Usage

Feeling a bit doubtful or uncertain about something? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of the most popular and trendy slang for the skeptical that will have you nodding in agreement and rolling your eyes in no time. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to expand your vocabulary with these expressions that perfectly capture that skeptical mood.

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1. Side-eye

When someone gives a side-eye, they are expressing skepticism or doubt towards something or someone. It is often used to show disapproval or disbelief.

For example, if someone tells a far-fetched story, you might give them a side-eye as a way of showing your skepticism.
In a conversation about a questionable decision, someone might say, “I’m giving that idea a serious side-eye.”
If someone makes a bold claim without evidence, you might respond with, “I’m giving you the side-eye until you can prove it.”

2. Doubting Thomas

This term comes from the biblical story of Thomas, who doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he saw the wounds for himself. It is used to describe someone who is skeptical or hesitant to believe something without evidence.

For instance, if someone is hesitant to believe a new theory, you might call them a Doubting Thomas.
In a discussion about skepticism, someone might say, “I tend to be a bit of a Doubting Thomas when it comes to conspiracy theories.”
If someone questions the validity of a claim, you might jokingly say, “Looks like we have a Doubting Thomas in the room.”

3. Raised eyebrow

When someone raises an eyebrow, it is often a non-verbal expression of skepticism, surprise, or disbelief. It is used to convey doubt or curiosity about something.

For example, if someone makes an outrageous claim, you might respond with a raised eyebrow to show your disbelief.
In a conversation about a suspicious situation, someone might say, “I raised my eyebrow when I saw him acting so strangely.”
If someone tells a questionable story, you might say, “That’s a story that definitely raises an eyebrow.”

4. Not buying it

When someone says they are not buying it, they are expressing their skepticism or disbelief towards something. It means they do not believe or accept the information or explanation given.

For instance, if someone gives a weak excuse for being late, you might respond with, “I’m not buying it.”
In a discussion about a dubious claim, someone might say, “I’m not buying the idea that aliens built the pyramids.”
If someone tries to convince you of something you find hard to believe, you might simply say, “Sorry, but I’m not buying it.”

5. Questioning

Questioning refers to the act of expressing doubt or uncertainty about something. It involves asking critical questions or seeking evidence to support or challenge a claim.

For example, if someone presents a new theory, you might start questioning their assumptions and evidence.
In a debate about a controversial topic, someone might say, “I’m questioning the validity of your argument.”
If someone shares a suspicious story, you might respond with, “I’m questioning the truthfulness of that account.”

6. Not sold on it

When someone is “not sold on it,” they are expressing doubt or skepticism about a particular idea, product, or argument. It implies that the person is not fully convinced or persuaded.

For example, if someone suggests trying a new restaurant and you respond, “I’m not sold on it,” it means you are unsure if it’s a good idea.
In a discussion about a new movie, someone might say, “I’m not sold on the plot. It seems too predictable.”
If a friend recommends a new fashion trend and you respond, “I’m not sold on it,” you are expressing skepticism about its appeal or suitability.

7. Side-squint

When someone gives a “side-squint,” they are expressing a skeptical or doubtful look. It is a non-verbal expression of suspicion or disbelief.

For instance, if someone says something questionable and you give them a side-squint, it shows that you are skeptical about their statement.
In a conversation about a far-fetched story, someone might say, “I can’t help but give a side-squint to that wild claim.”
If someone tells you an unbelievable excuse for being late, you might respond with a side-squint to show your skepticism.

8. Doubtful Dave

“Doubtful Dave” is a term used to refer to someone who is consistently skeptical or doubtful. It is a playful way to describe a person who tends to question or doubt things.

For example, if someone always doubts the accuracy of news articles, you might say, “Oh, there goes Doubtful Dave again.”
In a group discussion, if someone consistently expresses skepticism about a new idea, you might jokingly say, “Looks like Doubtful Dave is in the house.”
If someone questions the validity of a claim, you can playfully call them Doubtful Dave to acknowledge their skepticism.

9. Side-sneer

A “side-sneer” is a facial expression that conveys disapproval or skepticism. It involves curling one side of the mouth into a slight sneer while looking at something or someone with doubt or disdain.

For instance, if someone shows you a questionable piece of artwork and you give a side-sneer, it indicates that you are not impressed or skeptical of its artistic value.
In a conversation about a controversial statement, someone might say, “I can’t help but give a side-sneer to that ridiculous claim.”
If someone presents a dubious business proposal, you might respond with a side-sneer to show your skepticism.

10. Not feeling it

When someone says they are “not feeling it,” they are expressing a lack of enthusiasm or conviction about a particular situation, idea, or experience. It implies that the person is not convinced or interested.

For example, if someone suggests going to a party and you respond, “I’m not feeling it,” it means you are not excited or interested in attending.
In a conversation about a new fashion trend, someone might say, “I’m not feeling it. It’s not my style.”
If someone proposes a new project at work and you respond with “I’m not feeling it,“I’m not feeling it,” you are expressing skepticism or lack of enthusiasm about its potential success.

11. Not convinced

When someone is not convinced, it means that they have doubts or reservations about a particular statement or claim. It indicates a lack of belief or trust in something.

For example, if someone says, “I’m not convinced that aliens exist,” they are expressing their skepticism.
In a debate, one might argue, “I’ve heard the arguments, but I’m still not convinced that climate change is caused by human activity.”
A person might say, “I’m not convinced that the new diet fad actually works. I need more evidence.”

12. Unconvinced

Similar to “not convinced,” being unconvinced means having doubts or skepticism about a certain statement or claim. It indicates a lack of belief or persuasion.

For instance, if someone says, “I’m unconvinced that ghosts are real,” they are expressing their skepticism.
In a discussion about a controversial topic, one might say, “I’ve considered the arguments, but I remain unconvinced.”
A person might express their skepticism by stating, “I’m unconvinced that the new product will live up to its claims.”

13. Skeptical emoji

The skeptical emoji is an emoticon that represents a facial expression of doubt or suspicion. It is often used to convey skepticism or disbelief in a lighthearted or humorous manner.

For example, if someone makes a dubious claim, you might respond with the skeptical emoji.
In a text conversation, one might use the skeptical emoji to express doubt or question the veracity of a statement.
A person might use the skeptical emoji to playfully indicate that they are skeptical of someone’s intentions or motives.

14. Not buying it emoji

The “not buying it” emoji is an emoticon that represents a facial expression of skepticism or disbelief. It is often used to convey a sense of doubt or suspicion about a particular statement or claim.

For instance, if someone tells a far-fetched story, you might respond with the “not buying it” emoji.
In a text conversation, one might use the “not buying it” emoji to express skepticism or indicate that they find a statement hard to believe.
A person might use the “not buying it” emoji to playfully show that they are skeptical of someone’s explanation or excuse.

15. Side-eyeing emoji

The side-eyeing emoji is an emoticon that represents a facial expression of skepticism, suspicion, or disapproval. It is often used to convey a sense of doubt or disbelief in a humorous or sarcastic manner.

For example, if someone makes a questionable statement, you might respond with the side-eyeing emoji.
In a text conversation, one might use the side-eyeing emoji to express skepticism or indicate that they find a statement dubious.
A person might use the side-eyeing emoji to playfully show that they are skeptical of someone’s actions or intentions.

16. Cynical

This term describes a person who is skeptical or distrustful of the motives or sincerity of others. It often implies a belief that people are motivated by self-interest and that they are unlikely to act in a genuinely altruistic manner.

For example, someone might say, “I’m cynical about politicians and their promises.”
In a discussion about a new product, a person might comment, “I’m always cynical about claims of ‘miracle’ products.”
A person might describe themselves as cynical by saying, “I’ve become cynical after being let down too many times.”

17. Suspicious

This term refers to a feeling of doubt or mistrust towards someone or something. It suggests that there may be something hidden or deceptive about the person or situation.

For instance, if someone acts strangely, you might say, “I’m suspicious of their behavior.”
In a discussion about a suspicious package, someone might say, “Better to be safe than sorry – report anything suspicious.”
A person might express their suspicion by saying, “I have a suspicious feeling that something isn’t right.”

18. Disbelieving

This term describes a state of not believing or accepting something as true. It implies a lack of trust or confidence in the information or claims being made.

For example, if someone tells an unbelievable story, you might respond, “I’m disbelieving of that.”
In a discussion about a conspiracy theory, someone might say, “I’m disbelieving of the evidence presented.”
A person might express their disbelieving attitude by saying, “I find it hard to believe until I see proof.”

19. Dubious

This term describes something that is doubtful or uncertain. It suggests that there are reasons to be skeptical or hesitant about the truth or reliability of the thing in question.

For instance, if someone makes a suspicious claim, you might say, “That sounds dubious.”
In a discussion about a controversial theory, someone might comment, “The evidence for that is dubious at best.”
A person might express their doubts by saying, “I have a dubious feeling about the legitimacy of that claim.”

20. Uncertain

This term describes a lack of confidence or conviction in something. It suggests a state of not being sure or having doubts about the accuracy or truthfulness of the information or situation.

For example, if someone asks a difficult question, you might respond, “I’m uncertain about the answer.”
In a discussion about the future, someone might say, “The outcome is uncertain at this point.”
A person might express their uncertainty by saying, “I’m uncertain about whether or not to trust that source.”

21. Incredulous

When someone is incredulous, they are unwilling or unable to believe something. It is a way of expressing doubt or skepticism.

For example, “I was incredulous when I heard that she won the lottery.”
Another usage could be, “He gave me an incredulous look when I told him about the alien sighting.”
In a conversation, someone might say, “I find it hard to be incredulous about his claims without any evidence.”

22. Distrustful

When someone is distrustful, they have a lack of trust or suspicion towards someone or something. It is a way of expressing skepticism or doubt.

For instance, “She was distrustful of his motives and refused to believe him.”
In a situation where someone is being cautious, they might say, “I’m distrustful of strangers who approach me on the street.”
A person might express their distrust by saying, “I find it hard to believe him because he has always been distrustful in the past.”

23. Dismissive

When someone is dismissive, they are showing indifference or lack of interest towards something. It is a way of expressing skepticism or doubt.

For example, “He was dismissive of her ideas and didn’t take them seriously.”
In a conversation where someone is not convinced, they might say, “I’m dismissive of his claims until he provides more evidence.”
A person might express their dismissiveness by saying, “I find it hard to believe her because she is always dismissive of new ideas.”

24. Untrustworthy

When someone is untrustworthy, they are not reliable or trustworthy. It is a way of expressing skepticism or doubt towards someone’s character or actions.

For instance, “He is untrustworthy and I don’t believe a word he says.”
In a situation where someone is being cautious, they might say, “I find him untrustworthy and prefer not to work with him.”
A person might express their skepticism by saying, “I’m skeptical of his claims because he has proven to be untrustworthy in the past.”

25. Hesitant

When someone is hesitant, they are showing reluctance or uncertainty towards something. It is a way of expressing skepticism or doubt.

For example, “She was hesitant to believe his story without any proof.”
In a situation where someone is unsure, they might say, “I’m hesitant to trust him until he shows me some evidence.”
A person might express their skepticism by saying, “I find it hard to be convinced because I’m hesitant about the validity of his claims.”

26. Wary

This term describes a feeling of caution or wariness towards something or someone. It implies being on guard or being skeptical about potential risks or dangers.

For example, “I’m a bit wary of trying that new restaurant because I’ve heard mixed reviews.”
In a discussion about online scams, someone might say, “Be wary of emails asking for your personal information.”
A person might express their wariness by saying, “I’m always wary of accepting offers that seem too good to be true.”

27. Leery

This word refers to being cautious or skeptical, often with a sense of suspicion or mistrust. It implies being hesitant or doubtful about someone or something.

For instance, “I’m a bit leery of buying products from that company because of their poor customer reviews.”
In a conversation about a new business opportunity, someone might say, “I’m feeling leery about investing without more information.”
A person might express their leery attitude by saying, “I’m always leery of promises that sound too good to be true.”

28. Sceptical

This term describes a mindset of doubt or skepticism towards something. It implies questioning or being hesitant to accept information or claims without evidence or proof.

For example, “I’m skeptical of that politician’s promises because they’ve broken them in the past.”
In a discussion about a new scientific discovery, someone might say, “I’m skeptical until more research is conducted.”
A person might express their skeptical viewpoint by saying, “I’m always skeptical of conspiracy theories without solid evidence.”

29. Unbelieving

This word refers to a state of disbelief or skepticism towards something. It implies a lack of acceptance or trust in the truth or reality of a statement or claim.

For instance, “I was unbelieving when I heard the news because it seemed too outrageous to be true.”
In a conversation about a supernatural event, someone might say, “I remain unbelieving until I see concrete evidence.”
A person might express their unbelieving attitude by saying, “I’m always unbelieving until I can verify the facts myself.”