I’m old enough to still think of “cringe” mostly as a facial expression.

And when I think “what feeling does that facial expression convey?” …for me, the first one that comes to mind is “secondhand embarrassment.”

So, whether you say “it gives me secondhand embarrassment” or “it’s cringe,” my mind will parse those pretty much the same.

Dunno if that means anything. But do with that knowledge as you will.