Peevish: meaning, definitions and examples

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peevish

[ˈpiːvɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things

Synonyms

cranky, grumpy, irritable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peevish	Typically used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or irritated over minor issues. It often implies a sense of childishness or petulance. Don't be so peevish about the weather; we can't control it. After a long day's work, she was feeling peevish and snapped at her family over small things.
irritable	Generally used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or angered. It can be used in both serious and casual contexts, and it often suggests a temporary state of being. She became irritable from lack of sleep. John's irritable reaction was surprising, given how mild-mannered he usually is.
cranky	Often employed to describe someone who is in a bad mood or easily upset, especially in a way that may come off as unreasonable or ill-tempered. The baby gets cranky if she misses her nap. I get a bit cranky when I haven't had my morning coffee.
grumpy	Used to describe someone who is consistently or frequently in a bad mood. It often has a slightly humorous or endearing connotation. My grandpa gets grumpy if you wake him up too early. He was as grumpy as a bear when he couldn't find his car keys.

Examples of usage

She had a peevish expression on her face all day.
Don't be so peevish, it's just a small mistake.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

child

Showing annoyance or bad temper, especially in a childish or petulant way

Synonyms

petulant, sulky, whiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peevish	Used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or irritated, often over small matters. He's always peevish when he doesn't get enough sleep. Her peevish behavior made it hard to work with her.
petulant	Describes someone, especially a child, who behaves in a selfish and bad-tempered way, often when they do not get what they want. This word has a negative connotation. The petulant child threw a tantrum because he couldn't have another cookie. Her petulant attitude made the meeting uncomfortable for everyone.
sulky	Refers to someone who is silent and bad-tempered, usually because they are upset or disgruntled. This behavior is often seen as childish. After losing the game, he sat in the corner looking sulky. She became sulky when her plans were canceled at the last minute.
whiny	Describes someone who complains a lot in an irritating or childish way, often sounding high-pitched and persistent. Her whiny voice made it difficult to stay patient. The children were whiny because they were tired and hungry.

Examples of usage

The peevish child refused to share his toys.
She gave a peevish response when asked to clean her room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the late Middle English 'peevish', which is related to 'peevishness', indicating a tendency to be irritable.
It may have roots linked to the Old English word 'pēof', meaning a troublesome or bothersome person.
Originally, it had a more general meaning of being whimsical or capricious before settling into its negative connotation.

Literature

Shakespeare used this term in his plays to describe characters who were petulant or cantankerous, emphasizing its literary weight.
In modern literature, the portrayal of peevish characters often adds depth to their personality, making them relatable in their grumpiness.
Children's books often illustrate peevish characters to teach lessons about kindness and handling feelings.

Psychology

Being peevish can often be linked to underlying stress or fatigue, suggesting that mood directly impacts behavior.
Research shows that our social environments influence our peevishness; stressful interactions can heighten irritability.
Understanding the reasons behind peevish behavior can help improve emotional regulation and communication.

Pop Culture

Many beloved grumpy characters in movies and television, like Oscar the Grouch, reflect the humorous side of being peevish.
In comic strips, peevish personalities often provide comic relief, showcasing how irritation can lead to funny situations.
The 'grumpy cat' internet phenomenon turned peevishness into a relatable aesthetic, celebrated for its humor.

Everyday Life

People often describe someone as peevish when they are tired or hungry, indicating the common triggers of irritability.
Folk sayings often link weather changes, like rainy days, to increased peevishness, highlighting cultural perceptions of mood based on environment.
In relationships, being peevish can lead to misunderstandings, making effective communication vital to minimize conflicts.

Translations

Translations of the word "peevish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritadiço

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 reizbar

🇮🇩 pemarah

🇺🇦 дратівливий

🇵🇱 drażliwy

🇯🇵 怒りっぽい

🇫🇷 irritable

🇪🇸 irritable

🇹🇷 huysuz

🇰🇷 신경질적인

🇸🇦 سريع الغضب

🇨🇿 popudlivý

🇸🇰 popudlivý

🇨🇳 易怒的

🇸🇮 razdražljiv

🇮🇸 pirraður

🇰🇿 ашуланшақ

🇬🇪 გაბრაზებული

🇦🇿 əsəbi

🇲🇽 irritable

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,180, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25177 importunate
25178 munificent
25179 forfeiting
25180 peevish
25181 planer
25182 replanting
25183 chauvinism
...