A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness when you think others are judging you. It can also mean a situation that causes such feelings.
From French 'embarras' meaning 'obstacle, difficulty, confusion,' from 'embarrasser' (to block, hinder), likely from Spanish 'embarazar' (to obstruct), related to 'barra' (bar). The original idea was being blocked or tangled up, not knowing how to move.
The root idea of 'embarrassment' is being blocked or stuck behind a bar, not knowing where to step. That’s exactly how it feels socially: your brain freezes and you can’t move smoothly. Your language is quietly labeling this emotion as a kind of mental traffic jam.
Embarrassment and shame have historically been used to police women’s behavior, dress, and sexuality more harshly than men’s, embedding gendered double standards into social norms. Language around embarrassment has often framed women as responsible for others’ reactions.
Avoid using embarrassment language to reinforce gendered norms (e.g., shaming girls for appearance or sexuality). Focus on specific behaviors or harms rather than generalized shame.
["discomfort","awkwardness","self‑consciousness"]
Feminist and gender‑justice movements have challenged shame‑based control, reframing many sources of “embarrassment” (e.g., menstruation, pregnancy) as normal aspects of life.
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