A "hairy eye" doesn't refer to an eye literally covered in hair, although a dermoid cyst (a truly "hairy eyeball") can cause this appearance. Instead, the phrase "hairy eyeball" is slang. It describes a look given by someone to express disapproval, disgust, or scorn. Think of it as a disapproving glare or a pointed stare conveying strong negative feelings.
Understanding the "Hairy Eyeball"
The term "hairy eyeball" emerged in the 1960s and has since become a common idiom. It's often used informally to depict a sharp, disapproving look, suggesting judgment or skepticism. The imagery likely relates to the unsettling feeling associated with a hairy or otherwise unusual appearance; transferring that unease to the intensity of a disapproving gaze.
Examples of "Hairy Eyeball" Usage:
- "He gave me a hairy eyeball after I told him I'd broken his vase." This illustrates the negative connotation – a look expressing disapproval and perhaps even anger.
- "Cory Doctorow mentioned the experience of receiving a hairy eyeball when mentioning a meeting place." This demonstrates how the phrase conveys immediate judgment.
- "Avoiding the hairy eyeball and being open and honest with families and colleagues is the best course of action." Here it's used in context of workplace or social interactions to emphasize the importance of avoiding conflict and maintaining good relationships.
A Different Interpretation: Dermoid Cysts
While the most common understanding is the disapproving look, it's worth noting that the term can also literally refer to a dermoid cyst in the eye. This is a rare birth defect where a mass forms in the eye, sometimes appearing hairy due to the inclusion of hair follicles. This is, however, a completely different, medical meaning of "hairy eyeball," far less commonly used than the slang meaning.
