Miffed

Miffed describes a state of slight annoyance, displeasure, or resentment, usually caused by a petty or trivial matter. It suggests a feeling of being offended or put out, often without expressing intense anger. Someone who is miffed might sulk, show a touch of irritation, or become withdrawn. The feeling is generally short-lived and doesn't typically escalate into a significant conflict. The source of the annoyance is often perceived as undeserved or unfair, leading to a sense of being wronged, even if the situation is objectively minor.

Miffed meaning with examples

• Sarah was miffed when her friend forgot to call her on her birthday, even though it was a busy week. She sent a terse text, hinting at her displeasure, but didn't make a big scene. It was the principle of the thing more than the missed call itself, showing mild irritation at being forgotten, temporarily.
• The customer was miffed that his usual table was unavailable, although the restaurant was full, he gave his displeasure with a quick sigh and chose a different seat. He believed a degree of the situation had been caused by unfair circumstances. He showed a minor level of displeasure.
• After waiting in line for an hour only to find the item was sold out, the shopper was miffed. He mumbled to himself about the wasted time, but his annoyance quickly faded, since he decided to go to another shop. The whole event caused only brief irritation.
• The actor was miffed when a reviewer misquoted his words in the play's review; his feelings were of mild vexation, but he didn't consider the situation with any degree of anger. This was a mild annoyance due to a degree of being wrongly perceived by the reviewer.
• The teacher was miffed that several students didn't complete their homework, she gave a stern lecture, and assigned extra work, expressing mild irritation with a look. The lack of completed homework caused only slight annoyance to her, she handled the matter quickly.