What makes something cringy?

[NARPASSWORD]

If it involves ponies, it's automatically a cringefest.

 

[Teri-Teri]

Anything that is extraordinary that causes embarrassment for someone else.

 

[From The Uncanny Valley]

If it involves ponies, it's automatically a cringefest.

and gems

 

[Johnny Bravo]

When people act like they're the star of their own TV show in public. Unwarranted self-importance, basically.

 

[Xetzyr]

Anything that involves invisible dignity...

 

[SPARKLETWAT]

People trying to come off as serious or threatening and unaware they're coming off as ridiculous instead.

It's not really cringe if they know how dorky they look/sound.

 

[therealchrischan]

not fitting in to the norm demanding too much attention.