pet peeve

[pet peev]

noun

1. a particular and often continual annoyance; personal bugbear.

   This train service is one of my pet peeves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pet peeve¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Idioms and Phrases

A particular or recurring source of irritation, as in My pet peeve is that neighbor's cat running through my herb garden. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

I went to Italy for the first time two years ago and learned that one of their pet peeves is how we say “pistachio.”

From Los Angeles Times

We know every secret, private joke and pet peeve about each other , based on memories woven so deeply into the L.A. backdrop, they can’t be undone.

From Los Angeles Times

The wrappers are a nostalgic choice for Barrois, who started sculpting as an antsy 10-year-old with a Hot Wheels collection and a pet peeve.

From New York Times

“I can share with Max as well some of the pet peeves that officials may have as far as player misconduct or coach misconduct or maybe mouthing off too much,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Everyone has pet peeves on the road, from being cut off to dealing with slow drivers in the left lane.

From Seattle Times