To squeeze through, to wedge oneself in, to scurry away; to be terrified, to cower, to hide out of fear. Derived from the standard verb щемить (originally meaning to pinch, squeeze, or cause a gnawing ache), which evolved into a reflexive form denoting restricted or fearful movement. In everyday slang, it carries two distinct notes: first, it means to squeeze or push oneself into a tight space, or to frantically bolt/flee from a scene (все начали щемиться из вагона — “everyone started squeezing out of the carriage”); second, particularly in street, military, or prison subcultures, it means to hide away out of sheer fear, to cower, or to avoid someone dangerous (чё ты щемишься от меня? — “why are you hiding from me?”).
Восколько лучше щемиться на обед?
What is the best time to go for lunch?
(Андрей @ mail.ru, 08/2011)
