Dragaera

Squick: Usage vs. Claimed origin

Rick Castello rick at 404.978.org
Tue Nov 26 12:34:20 PST 2002

David Dyer-Bennet said:

> Your definition includes "turn off", which is sexual.  And your real
> example involves nudity, which to essentially everybody in the US is
> sexual.  I think the sexual connection is pretty basic.  I agree that
> the word may be starting to grow beyond that maybe.

     It was only recently that I heard of squick in anything other
     than a general use, along the lines of a feeling of distates or
     discomfort.  Occasional addition of "out" to usage, as in "she got
     all squicked out over it."

     My experience with the term:  Occasional use over 8-10 years
     in and around Central California by teens to twentysomethings.
     More frequently regarding physical sensation, but occasionally
     in reference to an idea or thought.

     "Eww, bugs!  Creepy crawly things squick me (out)."
     "The thought of being stuck married to and having kids with him
      squicks me.  Run awaaaaay!"

     -Rick