Pesky: meaning, definitions and examples
😩
pesky
[ ˈpɛski ]
annoying behavior
The term 'pesky' is often used to describe something or someone that causes annoyance or irritation. It is frequently applied to describe bothersome situations or persistent nuisances, particularly those that are minor yet aggravating. This word is especially common in informal contexts, where it conveys a sense of mild frustration rather than extreme anger. Whether referring to pesky insects, pesky problems, or pesky individuals, the underlying meaning remains centered around annoyance.
Synonyms
annoying, bothersome, irritating, nuisance, troublesome.
Examples of usage
- Those pesky mosquitoes won't leave me alone.
- I have to deal with these pesky deadlines every week.
- He's always making pesky remarks during the meeting.
Etymology
The word 'pesky' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century as a diminutive form of the word 'pest,' which itself comes from the Latin 'pestis' meaning 'plague' or 'disease.' It reflects a connotation of something that is bothersome, similar to how a pest can annoy or disrupt daily life. Initially, 'pesky' was used predominantly in informal settings, often in American English, highlighting a particular type of annoyance that is persistent yet not dire. Over the years, its usage has broadened, and it is now widely recognized in both American and British English as a descriptor for anything that is irritating or pesky in nature. The way in which 'pesky' is used often implies a lighthearted acknowledgment of the annoyance, steering clear of any more severe implications of frustration.