nag
UK: næɡ | US: næɡ
v. to annoy or irritate someone with persistent complaints or criticism
n. a person who habitually nags
n. (archaic) a small horse, especially one for riding
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The word "nag" has two distinct origins. As a verb meaning "to complain persistently," it likely derives from Old Norse gnaga ("to gnaw, irritate"), reflecting the grating nature of constant criticism. The noun meaning "small horse" traces back to Middle English nagge, possibly of Scandinavian origin, related to the small, sturdy horses used in daily work. The dual meanings evolved separately, with the verb's sense of irritation metaphorically mirroring the "gnawing" persistence of a nagging person.
She would nag her husband about leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
Stop nagging me—I’ll finish the report when I can!
His mother’s constant nagging made him avoid visiting home.
The old farmer rode his nag to the market every morning.
(Archaic) The knight’s nag was sturdy but slow compared to warhorses.