What does peckishness mean?
Peckishness is a noun that refers to a feeling of being slightly hungry, often in a mild or intermittent way. It is a common experience that can strike at any time, and is often associated with a desire for a snack or light meal. In informal contexts, particularly in British English, peckishness is used to describe a mild or intermittent feeling of hunger. It is a useful word for describing a state of being that is not quite full, but not quite empty either. Peckishness is a relatable concept that many people can identify with, and is often used in everyday conversation. It is a word that is worth knowing, as it can add nuance and depth to one's language.
nounA feeling of being slightly hungry, often in a mild or intermittent way.
- A feeling of being slightly hungry, often in a mild or intermittent way.
"After a light breakfast, she felt a growing peckishness that she couldn't shake off."
"After a light breakfast, she felt a growing peckishness that she couldn't shake off."
"The peckishness hit him as soon as he stepped out of the office."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of peckishness
The word peckishness is derived from the verb 'to peck', which means to eat small amounts of food, often in a casual or intermittent way. The suffix '-ness' is added to form a noun that describes a state or feeling. The word peckishness has its roots in 17th-century English, and has been in use since the 1600s. It is a cognate of the word 'snack', and is related to other words that describe hunger or a desire for food.
How peckishness is actually used
Peckishness is often used in informal contexts, particularly in British English. It can be used to describe a mild or intermittent feeling of hunger, and is often associated with a desire for a snack or light meal.