What does peeve mean?
Peeve is an informal word for annoying or irritating someone. It usually suggests mild but persistent displeasure rather than deep anger, making it suitable for everyday accounts of small everyday frustrations, such as noise, delays, or inconsiderate behaviour. The related noun, a peeve, denotes a feeling or fit of irritation and appears in expressions such as raising a peeve. Peeve can also be used reflexively: a speaker may say that something has peeved them, although peeved is the more usual form in such constructions. Its concise sound and informal register make it especially useful in conversation, personal writing, and humorous descriptions. Although the word may sound emphatic in isolation, its conventional meaning is generally closer to annoyance than to fury or outrage.
To annoy or irritate someone, especially in a persistent or mildly irritating way.
"The irregular announcements on the platform peeved the waiting passengers."
Informal; often describes mild but persistent irritation.
A feeling or fit of irritation or annoyance.
"It is a minor peeve, but the flickering light is beginning to get on my nerves."
Informal; usually refers to a relatively small source of irritation.
The plural is uncommon but is used when referring to several separate annoyances or fits of irritation.
"Small delays and broken signs were among the tourists' pees."
Peeve captures the particular irritation caused by something small but impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peeve come from?
The word entered English during the 19th century, but its ultimate origin is uncertain. It is associated with the adjective peevish, which also developed an uncertain etymology and describes a person who is cross, irritable, or easily annoyed. The precise historical connection between these forms is not clear enough to state with certainty.
Related word forms
How peeve is actually used
The verb is informal in tone and is especially common in British and American English. The noun form is also informal and often describes a minor but irritating irritation.
Easily confused with peeve
As a verb, to peeve means to annoy or irritate someone; as a noun, a peeve is a feeling or fit of irritation.
To peep is to look secretly or cautiously, whereas to peeve means to annoy or irritate.