Meaning of Word
Pet peeve refers to something that particularly irritates or annoys a person, often in a trivial or minor way.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A specific, often trivial annoyance or irritation.
- An action, behavior, or habit that consistently bothers or frustrates someone.
- A personal dislike or source of discomfort, usually a small but recurring issue.
History and Origin
The term pet peeve is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The word “pet” was used to describe something that was particularly favored or special, while “peeve” comes from the Old English pæfian, meaning to annoy or irritate. The combination of these two terms formed the expression, highlighting a particular irritant that someone finds especially troublesome. While pet peeves are often seen as minor issues, they can provoke strong feelings due to their personal nature.
Detailed Explanation
A pet peeve is a specific and often minor irritation that someone finds particularly bothersome, even though others may not be as affected by it. It is usually a behavior, habit, or situation that triggers discomfort or frustration in a person. Pet peeves can be related to anything from annoying noises to habits of others, and they are often irrational or disproportionate in response to the situation. While most people may have several pet peeves, they are subjective and unique to each individual. This term is commonly used in casual conversation and is typically lighthearted, though the irritation can be real.
Example Sentences
- One of her biggest pet peeves is when people chew loudly.
- His pet peeve is when people don’t use their turn signals while driving.
- It’s a pet peeve of mine when people interrupt me while I’m speaking.
- The constant tapping of a pen is a minor pet peeve of mine.
- She couldn’t stand her roommate’s pet peeve of leaving dirty dishes everywhere.
- His pet peeve was people who chew gum loudly in public.
- It’s a small pet peeve, but I hate when people misplace my things.
- The constant noise outside her window was a real pet peeve.
- He expressed his pet peeve about how the office printer always jams.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Irritation: A feeling of discomfort or annoyance caused by something minor or repetitive.
- Annoyance: A slight but persistent feeling of displeasure caused by something bothersome.
- Frustration: A feeling of being upset or annoyed, often caused by minor setbacks or inconveniences.
- Grievance: A complaint or sense of unfairness, often associated with a personal annoyance.
- Displeasure: A feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance with something.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Vexation: The state of being annoyed or frustrated, often in response to minor irritations.
- Petty: Describing something that is small or insignificant but can still cause irritation.
- Complaints: Expressions of dissatisfaction, often related to small annoyances or frustrations.
- Bother: To cause someone to feel discomfort or irritation, often by a trivial matter.
- Distraction: Something that draws attention away from what’s important, often causing mild irritation.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Nagging: Repeatedly complaining or pointing out small irritations, often related to pet peeves.
- Annoyance: A sense of irritation, often linked to specific behaviors or actions that become pet peeves.
- Grumbling: Complaining in a low or persistent manner, typically about something minor like a pet peeve.
- Fret: To worry or be anxious about small irritants, similar to reacting to a pet peeve.
- Chafe: To become irritated or annoyed, especially from small, repeated actions or discomforts.
Antonyms
- Tolerance: The ability to endure or accept behavior that might otherwise be irritating.
- Patience: The ability to remain calm and not get frustrated by small annoyances.
- Indifference: Lack of concern or annoyance about something, the opposite of being bothered by a pet peeve.
- Acceptance: Willingness to allow something without complaint or irritation, even if it’s irritating to others.
- Equanimity: Mental calmness and evenness of temper, especially in response to minor annoyances.