What do pet peeves mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒərbərə/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A strong aversion or dislike, often irrational, to a particular thing or situation, often holding a place of minor importance in the grand scheme of life, yet causing significant frustration, annoyance, or irritation.

Examples

• I have a strong pet peeve about people interrupting me when I’m speaking.
• Her pet peeve is when others use their phone excessively in public places.

Synonyms

• Pet hatred
• Annoyance

Etymology

The term “pet peeve” originates from the 19th century, derived from the phrase “pet hate,” which referred to a strong aversion or dislike towards something.

Usage Notes

When sharing a pet peeve, it’s common to use phrases such as “my biggest pet peeve is…” or “something that really gets my pet peeve…”.

Cultural References

Popular culture often portrays pet peeves as a relatable phenomenon, with examples in TV shows, movies, and sitcoms.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Oh, that really gets my goat” (meaning something annoys or bothers you)
• “He’s got a pet peeve” (meaning someone has a strong dislike or aversion towards something)

Related Words or Phrases

• Quirk
• Matter
• Issue

Collocations

• Pet peeve of mine
• Mine is to always arrive on time

Frequency of Use

Pet peeve is a commonly used term in everyday conversation, particularly in informal settings.

Common Misspellings

• pet peece
• pet peave