Vote. Discuss.
Rumor
Lie
Pit Bull
Liquid (oops, that’s viscous)
I thought “circle” and then “dog”.
Google brings up 4,930,000 hits for “A vicious cycle” and 6,350,000 hits for “A vicious circle”.
Origin from phrases.com
A circle is a shape. I’ve never understood how it can be vicious.
A cycle is a pattern of repeated actions or causes-and-effects. That shit can ruin your day.
I don’t care what your facts say. It’s “cycle”. “Circle” makes no sense. A causes B, which causes A, which causes B. That’s not a circle, it’s a cycle.
Metaphor, folks. We’re talking metaphor. “Vicious cycle” is too literal. “Vicious circle” is more metaphorical, like the circle of life, and thus better.
Dorothy Parker wept.
Are you asking whether the standard phrase uses circle or cycle? Or are you asking what word do I think of when I hear the word vicious? 'Cause the answers to the two are circle and weasel.
I always said “circle” but now I’m wondering whether that makes any sense…
Yeah, someone else pointed out I wasn’t being all that clear.
The point was whether the standard phrase uses circle, cycle, or “something else” to indicate a closed system. Sorry for the confusion!
Rabbit.
Also you can do that joke where you form your finger and thumb into a circle and make it go “raaar”, then say “what’s that?”
… case of raging herpes.
Wait, what are we voting on again?
Good luck on this poll changing any minds! 
Vicious bottle.
Well it’s too damn early and your eyes are bleeding
From the vicious bottle the night before
John Cale - “Dirty Ass Rock And Roll”
It’s definitely “vicious circle”. Anyone who thinks it is “vicious cycle” has misunderstood someone saying “vicious circle” in a strong New Jersey accent.
Now, see – I’ve always thought people who said “circle” were just being lazy and/or mishearing “cycle.”
I did not expect this poll to be so even.
Sorry, I couldn’t hear you over the Gabrielle.