Piqueish (pronounced pee-KISH) is a newly coined adjective describing a state of mild annoyance, irritation, or resentment, often stemming from a perceived slight, unfairness, or frustration. It's a subtle form of displeasure, less intense than anger or outrage but more pronounced than mere indifference. The feeling tends to be characterized by a touch of petulance and a lingering sense of being personally slighted, a feeling one is prone to express through passive-aggressive behavior, a withdrawn mood, or curt responses. The underlying cause of piqueishness can range from small inconveniences, such as a delayed response to a message, to more significant issues, such as being overlooked for an opportunity or being unfairly criticized. It is often observed in situations where someone feels their status or ego has been diminished in any way.
Piqueish meaning with examples
- After being excluded from the group's lunch plans, Emily became piqueish, offering clipped responses and abruptly leaving conversations when spoken to. She subtly criticized their choice of restaurant, creating a feeling of uncomfortable tension in the group. Later, they found out Emily wanted to be included and wished they had noticed she was silent and not as excited to go as she had previously been.
- The customer was piqueish when the store clerk couldn't locate his requested product, and despite being told it was out of stock, he insisted on asking multiple times, making snide comments. He gave the clerk a dismissive glare as he turned and left the store. The clerk was still annoyed when helping the next customer, making her piqueish as well.
- John, ever the perfectionist, felt piqueish when his coworker was complimented for a project he felt he contributed to, subtly altering the work to improve the project, yet not admitting to doing it. He made snarky comments and rolled his eyes, making the environment negative with his behavior.
- Despite trying to maintain a professional demeanor, Sarah felt increasingly piqueish as her manager consistently dismissed her ideas during meetings, and always implemented his own instead. This caused her to act passive-aggressively, as she could not understand her managers rationale and was always asked to perform the same tasks.
- The artist was piqueish after receiving negative reviews of his exhibition. He responded by making cryptic social media posts about his vision being misunderstood, refusing interviews, and cancelling his opening party. He also began making different forms of art to try and please everyone.