Peeving

Peeving is a colloquial term describing an action, situation, or person that causes annoyance, irritation, or frustration. It stems from the verb 'to peeve,' meaning to annoy. While not considered formal vocabulary, it's widely understood in everyday conversation. A peeving factor can be a minor inconvenience or a significant source of displeasure. The intensity of 'peeving' can vary; it might describe something mildly irritating or deeply upsetting. The term focuses on the emotional response of the individual experiencing the annoyance, highlighting the subjective nature of what constitutes a 'peeve'. It encapsulates the feeling of being bothered or disgruntled by something. The origins trace back to the early 20th century, emerging as a casual way to express displeasure without using stronger, potentially offensive, language.

Peeving meaning with examples

• The constant dripping faucet was a major peeving for Sarah, preventing her from concentrating. The rhythmic sound was incessant and distracting, making it difficult to relax in her own home. She tried everything from tightening the tap to placing a towel underneath, but it was always still dripping. Eventually, she called a plumber, who promptly fixed it, ending her irritation.
• Late deliveries are a real peeving for John, especially when he's expecting an important package. He hates having his schedule disrupted because it throws a wrench in his ability to plan. On several occasions, he's had to reschedule appointments or rearrange meetings. This unreliability often pushes him to choose other services for convenience.
• Loud chewing during a quiet movie is such a peeving thing! It completely disrupts my focus. When other viewers do that, I feel like they aren’t considering those around them. The constant smacking sounds distract from the dialogue. It’s difficult to enjoy the cinema experience under those circumstances.
• My friend's habit of interrupting mid-sentence is an extreme peeving. I'm just trying to share a story or an opinion, then I never get to finish my thoughts. She has a very difficult time when she's unable to share her own thoughts. It's an unsaid conversation-killer, so I've learned to avoid bringing up things I would like to discuss.
• Online ads that suddenly appear in the middle of articles are such a peeving; they obstruct your view and ruin the content. They completely block the images, so the article cannot be read properly. I'm considering using an ad blocker to improve the experience for browsing.