What does peckish mean?
Peckish is an informal adjective meaning slightly hungry or in need of a snack. It is especially useful when someone wants to express a modest appetite rather than serious hunger: one might say, “I’m feeling a bit peckish,” before ordering a sandwich or having a pastry. The word is common in British English and is also understood in American English, although it sounds somewhat more conversational there. Its playful tone makes it particularly suitable for informal speech and writing. Peckish should not be confused with pickish, which describes a person who is excessively difficult to please about food, standards, or preferences. While “hungry” is the more neutral and broadly applicable term, “peckish” adds colour and suggests hunger that is mild, temporary, or easily satisfied.
adjectiveSlightly hungry, especially hungry enough to want a small snack. The word is informal and often conveys a mild or playful need for food.
- Slightly hungry or in need of a small amount of food.
"I’m feeling a bit peckish, so I’ll have a sandwich."
"The children became peckish during the long journey."
"We had tea and biscuits because everyone was feeling peckish."
Peckish is the polite, playful way to say you are hungry enough for a snack but not yet ready for a feast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peckish come from?
“Peckish” is formed from the noun “peck” and the suffix “-ish,” meaning somewhat or rather. The word developed in the 16th century in the sense of “finicky” or “particular,” later acquiring the sense of “slightly hungry.” Its semantic link with pecking or eating is not entirely straightforward, but it belongs to the same English word family as “peck” and “pecker.”
Related word forms
How peckish is actually used
Informal; especially common in British English, though also understood in American English. It usually describes mild hunger and has a friendly, conversational tone.
Easily confused with peckish
Peckish means slightly hungry, whereas pickish means difficult to please about food, choices, or details.