What does peeved mean?
Peeved is an informal adjective meaning mildly annoyed or irritated. It is especially useful for describing a quick, passing feeling of displeasure, as in “a peeved expression” or “slightly peeved.” The word can refer to a person's mood, reaction, tone, or visible manner, making it natural in everyday conversation and informal writing. Its annoyance is generally milder than that conveyed by words such as furious or livid, though it is more emotionally specific than simply annoyed. Peeved is used in both British and American English. It also functions as a form of the verb peeve, although the adjective use is much more common. The word belongs to a family including peeve and peevish, words sharing its distinctive peev- sound and expressing related degrees or forms of irritation.
Mildly annoyed or irritated.
"He was peeved by the repeated changes to the schedule."
Informal and commonly used predicatively, especially with expressions such as “was peeved” or “felt peeved.”
To annoy or irritate someone.
"His constant interruptions peeved her."
This is the past tense and past participle of peeve; it is less common than the corresponding adjective use of peeved.
Peeved is the everyday word for a small but unmistakable flash of irritation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of peeved
Peeved is derived from peeve, with the normal English past-tense and participial ending -ed. The adjective use became established in the late nineteenth century, while the deeper origin of peeve remains uncertain. Peevish, peevishly, and peevishness belong to the same peev- family and express connected ideas of irritability or crossness.
How peeved is actually used
Peeved is informal and conversational, usually suggesting mild or temporary irritation rather than deep anger. It is common in both British and American English and can describe a person's mood, expression, tone, or manner.