peeve

Peeve is a noun that denotes a minor annoyance or irritant, especially one that repeatedly irritates a person. The term is often used in the plural as peeves to refer to multiple irritants. A common expression is “pet peeve,” which describes a particular annoyance that a person finds especially bothersome.

The word can also function as a verb, though this usage is less common in modern prose. To peeve someone means to annoy or irritate them; the adjective form peeved describes someone who is annoyed. In everyday speech, people talk about “my pet peeve” lists or share peeves about everyday situations, such as traffic, interruptions, or repetitive noises.

Etymology and history are not entirely clear, but peeve appears in American English slang in the early 20th century. It likely derives from the adjective peevish or from an imitative origin related to expressing annoyance. Over time, it has become a standard, informal way to describe personal annoyances.

Usage and nuance: peeve conveys a sense of personal, often persistent irritation rather than a major or universal grievance. It is well suited to casual conversation, humor, or lighthearted writing. In more formal contexts, words like annoyance, irritant, or grievance may be preferred. The phrase “pet peeve” remains a common and recognizable way to highlight a specific, recurring irritant in daily life.