pet peeve — something that a particular person finds especially annoying
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: something that a particular person finds especially annoying
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpet ˌpiːv/
Example Sentences
- My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open during movies.
- Her pet peeve is people who don't return their shopping carts.
- One of his pet peeves is when people say 'irregardless' instead of 'regardless'.
pet peeve
NOUN[/ˈpet ˌpiːv/]
something that a particular person finds especially annoying
Loud chewing is her biggest pet peeve at the office lunch table.
When pet peeves make you grieve, believe you can find ways to relieve!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase combines 'pet' (originally meaning something cherished or kept close) with 'peeve' (derived from the adjective 'peevish', meaning irritable or querulous). The expression metaphorically describes a particular annoyance that someone 'keeps close' or harbors personally, as if nurturing it like a pet.
Breakdown
pet (personal, cherished) + peeve (from peevish, meaning irritable or annoying). The compound creates a humorous image of an annoyance treated as a personal grievance one tends to.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open during movies.”
“Her pet peeve is people who don't return their shopping carts.”
“One of his pet peeves is when people say 'irregardless' instead of 'regardless'.”
“My teacher's pet peeve is students who come to class without doing homework but with elaborate excuses.”
📚Related Words
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