Pettish


[pet-ish] /ˈpɛt ɪʃ/

adjective
1.
petulantly peevish:
a pettish refusal.
/ˈpɛtɪʃ/
adjective
1.
peevish; petulant: a pettish child
adj.

1550s, “impetuous,” evidently from pet (n.2) in its “ill humor” sense + -ish. Meaning “peevish, easily annoyed” is from 1590s.

It has naturally been assoc. with PET sb.1, as being a characteristic habit of a “pet” or indulged and spoiled child; but the connexion of sense is not very clear or simple …. [OED]

Related: Pettishly; pettishness.

Read Also:

  • Pettipants

    [pet-ee-pants] /ˈpɛt iˌpænts/ noun, (used with a plural verb) 1. close-fitting, dress-length panties, sometimes trimmed with lace or ruffles on the legs.

  • Pettiskirt

    [pet-ee-skurt] /ˈpɛt iˌskɜrt/ noun 1. (def 1).

  • Pettislip

    [pet-ee-slip] /ˈpɛt iˌslɪp/ noun 1. a half-slip.

  • Pettitoes

    [pet-ee-tohz] /ˈpɛt iˌtoʊz/ plural noun 1. the feet of a pig, especially used as food. 2. the human toes or feet, especially those of a child. /ˈpɛtɪˌtəʊz/ plural noun 1. pig’s trotters, esp when used as food

  • Pettle

    [pet-l] /ˈpɛt l/ verb (used with object), pettled, pettling. Scot. and North England. 1. to fondle; .


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