On TikTok, users will use the word “sheesh” to convey how impressed they are by something.
For example, when someone buys a new pair of sneakers or if someone builds a new deck in their back yard.
Essentially, it is a way of hyping someone else up.
It is also a popular way to express your own personal excitement. For example, if you are hungry and your pizza order finally arrives. Or when your boss agrees to give you a raise.
The TikTok sound that made the word popular is high-pitched and stretched-out.
“Sheeeeesh!”
Sometimes, the word will be pronounced with a “Z” at the end instead of an “S”. For example, “Sheeeeeeeeze”. In other cases, it will sound like “Sheeeeeeeeeee”.
Normally, the word “Sheesh!” means that you are expressing disbelief or annoyance at something. As a result, the new Gen Z slang “version” of this word has caused quite a bit of confusion. Especially among the older generations.
What is the difference between “sheesh!” and “sheeeeesh”?
Thankfully, there is an easy way to tell them apart.
If someone says the word quickly and bluntly, then it probably means that they are expressing their disbelief or annoyance about something.
However, if the person in question stretches the word out and raises the pitch of their voice, then it means that they are impressed or excited.
You also have to think about the context of the situation.
For example, if you show someone your new hair style, then it is highly unlikely that they are going to express their annoyance towards it.
On the other hand, if you tell your friend that you lost your job, then they are probably not going to respond by excitedly shouting “sheeeeesh!” at you.
Well, I hope not.
Satire.
Originally, the “sheesh” sound accompanied a piece of satire or a simple observation about society in general.
For example, in one video, the caption read as follows.
“Me and the boys admiring each other’s lawns in 15 years’ time.”
Obviously, the “joke” here is that people begin to enjoy the “simpler” things as they get older.
One minute, you’re playing video games and going to the club “with the boys.” The next minute, you’re Googling lawn care tips and debating which color you should paint your living room.
A lot of people will use the phrase ironically.
A lot of people will use the phrase ironically, especially if they are trying to parody or mock Gen Z.
For example, it has recently become a trend to record older people pointing at their arms and shouting “sheeeesh”. In these videos, the subject will also use popular slang phrases such as bussin’ and no cap.
As you can see, a lot of this stuff is tongue in cheek. It isn’t supposed to be taken seriously.
“Sheesh” sound compilation.
In the following video, you will find a few examples of the “sheesh” sound in action.
Hopefully, this guide cleared up any confusion!