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Peeve: meaning, definitions and examples

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peeve

 

[ piːv ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

annoyance issue

A peeve is something that consistently irritates or annoys someone, often in a trivial way. It can refer to a minor grievance or a particular behavior that one finds bothersome.

Synonyms

annoyance, bother, displeasure, irritation

Examples of usage

  • Her constant chewing gum is one of my biggest peeves.
  • Traffic jams are a common peeve for commuters.
  • Leaving the dishes in the sink is a major peeve for him.
  • Slow walkers are a significant peeve of mine.

Etymology

The word 'peeve' originates from the term 'peevish,' which means easily irritated or annoyed. 'Peevish' itself comes from Middle English 'pevishe' (around the late 14th century), derived from the verb 'peeve,' which meant to make or feel peevish. The shortening of 'peeve' emerged in the 20th century as a colloquial expression. It reflects the tendency of people to express annoyance at particular behaviors or situations, emphasizing personal grievances that may not be significant on a larger scale. Over time, the term has become widely used in casual conversation to identify small annoyances that can greatly affect mood or comfort.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,261, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.