Means: Just kidding — said after tricking someone.

Psych! — came from?

Came from: Psych out, to mess with someone's head, clipped to one word.

Peak: 1985–1992; Bart Simpson said it weekly.

🗂️ The Files · Slang Files · 🙄 Dismissals & burns

G33Z3R Slang Files · 1982–1994

What did "psych" mean?

Psych!

Means: Just kidding — said after tricking someone
Came from: Psych out, to mess with someone's head, clipped to one word
Peak: 1985–1992; Bart Simpson said it weekly
Still around?: Among people who were nine in 1988

🗳️ Did you say it?

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The file

You offered someone something, pulled it back, and said psych. That was the whole joke and it worked every time for a decade. The Simpsons, Home Alone and every sitcom kid kept it going.

It's spelled psych, from psychology, but nobody who said it would have spelled it that way. Sike is the common misspelling and half of Gen X will fight about it.

Sources: Wiktionary — Psych!

Who did you say "Psych!" to? Tell us where and when.

The drive, the dance, the heartbreak, the summer. Add a memory of Psych!.

Community Memories (2)

“Don’t forget, Eddie Murphy said it in Delirious. “I have some ice creeeeam. Want a lick? Psych!” To me, that’s the most famous use of the line and makes it relevant for all time.”
— Someone · 20d ago
“I just said it today and I’m sure most of the people in that chat thread won’t understand it”
— Someone · 20d ago

What did "psych" mean?

The file

Who did you say "Psych!" to? Tell us where and when.

Community Memories (2)

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