skunk eye

n. a facial expression of distrust or dislike; stink eye. Subjects: English

Editorial Note: This term seems to have been popularized by American talk show host David Letterman. It is often used with the definite article: the skunk eye.

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Citations: 1994 Frazier Moore Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (Nov. 19) “Letterman Heads For Prime Time In First CBS Special” p. C7: “I came very close,” says Dave [Letterman], flashing a skunk-eye in the direction of CBS headquarters. 1996 [Nancy Lamkin Olson] Usenet: alt.fan.letterman (Jan. 14) “Re: Skunk Eye”: “Could someone please be so kind as to explain exactly what a skunk eye is?” “It’s kind of an exaggerated, disapproving wink that implies ‘I’m skeptical.‘“ 1996 Robin D. Laws Pierced Heart (Dec. 1) p. 190: We kind of circle around each other, he’s giving me the skunk-eye. 1998 [Tom Green] Usenet: alt.sports.college.ohio-state (Oct. 12) “Re: FOSML: Nostalgia…”: He’d put the skunkeye on Ole Double-or-Nothing and Art would be hyp-mo-tized into telling him everything. 2000 John Limon Stand-Up Comedy in Theory, Or, Abjection in America (Nov. 1) p. 70: [David Letterman] is also oddly physical: he does facial shtick (the old skunk eye, for example); he plays with his suit; he imposes his body even as far as the camera. 2005 Rodney Rothman Early Bird (Apr. 26) p. 193: The strippers give you the skunk eye because they think you brought the pervert.

Posted 29 Nov 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend