"Crush" – That Butterflies-in-Your-Stomach Feeling
When someone says “I have a crush on them”, they mean they have a strong, usually secret, romantic attraction or infatuation with someone.
It’s one of the most universal and relatable slang words in the English language.
"Crush" (as a noun or verb) refers to:
A strong, often short-lived romantic liking for someone.
The person you like (“He’s my crush”).
The feeling of excitement, nervousness, and happiness when you like someone.
It usually describes the early, fluttery stage of attraction — before it becomes full-blown love.
Examples:
“I’ve had a huge crush on her since last year.”
“Stop staring — your crush is right there!”
“He’s so cute, I think I’m crushing hard.”
“Middle school crushes were the best and worst.”
The romantic use of "crush" started in the late 19th to early 20th century in American English.
Originally, “crush” meant to press or squeeze something (as in “crush a can”).
By the 1880s–1890s, it evolved to mean “an intense infatuation” — possibly from the idea of your heart being “crushed” or overwhelmed by feelings.
The phrase “have a crush on someone” became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, especially among teenagers and young adults.
It exploded in usage during the mid-20th century with the rise of teen culture, movies, and pop music.
Today, it’s completely mainstream and used by people of all ages.
“Crush” can also be used as a verb: “I’m crushing on him” = I really like him.
There’s a distinction: A crush is usually light and fun. When it becomes deeper, people start saying “I like them” or “I’m falling for them.”
The term “celeb crush” (celebrity crush) became very popular in the 2000s.
In some contexts, people say “squish” for a platonic crush (you admire them but don’t want romance).
It’s one of the few English words that perfectly captures that nervous-excited feeling with just one syllable.
Mostly playful, light-hearted, and youthful.
Can be said seriously too (“I’ve had a crush on him for years”).
Very common among friends when gossiping or sharing secrets.
Having a crush is one of life’s sweetest experiences — that mix of excitement, nervousness, and hope. The word “crush” captures it perfectly: something powerful that can make your heart feel squeezed in the best way possible.
We’ve all been there. Some crushes fade fast, others turn into something beautiful.