pesky

UK: ˈpeski | US: ˈpeski

Definition

  1. adj. annoying or troublesome

  2. adj. causing minor irritation or inconvenience

Structure
pesk <annoyance>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "pesky" emerged in the mid-18th century, likely derived from the dialectal term "pesk," meaning "annoyance" or "pest," combined with the adjectival suffix "-y." The root "pesk" itself may trace back to the word "pest," which originates from the Latin pestis (plague, nuisance). Over time, "pesky" evolved to describe minor but persistent irritations, retaining its playful yet vexing connotation.

Examples

  1. The pesky mosquito kept buzzing around my ear all night.

  2. She found his constant questions rather pesky.

  3. A pesky software bug delayed the project’s completion.

  4. The pesky weeds in the garden are hard to eradicate.

  5. Don’t let those pesky details distract you from the main goal.