Definition of "cringy"

The series features a fantastic, cringy scene set at the upfronts, and the whole show serves as an excavation of the prime-time TV life, from the high-flying ‘80s to the mystifying nows.

2008 May 4, Virginia Heffernan, “Voilà (Sort Of)!”, in New York Times‎

It involved such a cringy mix of self-indulgence and vulnerability I didn't feel equipped.

2011, Rosie Scott, Faith Singer

'You're damn right I am,' declares Ron in a cringy American accent, grabbing Andrea in a showy embrace.

2016, Catherine Ferguson, Four Weddings and a Fiasco

There stepped into view a man whom Glen had not seen before. He was evidently associated with Mr. Jervice, but he did not in the least resemble him, for instead of being a cringy weakling, he was big and strong and hard.

1917, Charles Henry Lerrigo, The boy scout treasure hunters: or, The lost treasure of Buffalo Hollow

Possibly the thing had feelings of its own; there was no knowing. Just the little cringy sort that might inveigle itself . .

1929, The Windsor Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly for Men and Women