Petty & Annoying Behavior: English Vocabulary List

to talk excessively or continuously, often in a way that is annoying to others

"The small dog yapped at the mailman."

"The tiny dog would not stop yapping at the mailman every single morning making it impossible for anyone in the house to sleep late."

the act of pretending to have skills, knowledge, or confidence in order to impress others

"Stop fronting and be yourself."

"Stop fronting and be yourself because everyone already knows you are not that tough."

to subtly insult or undermine someone to lower their confidence, often to manipulate or gain favor

"Do not neg your date."

"Some pick up artists advise men to neg women by giving them backhanded compliments to lower their self esteem."

to complain or express dissatisfaction about something

"Don't gripe about the weather."

"People often gripe about long commutes, but they rarely take action to change their daily routines."

a person or thing that ruins the enjoyment, excitement, or positive mood of a situation

"The serious comment was a buzzkill."

"The serious comment was a buzzkill and the lively conversation died immediately after he spoke."

showing spite, malice, or subtly mean behavior, often in social interactions

"Her remark was catty."

"The catty comments from her coworker made the office feel hostile and she dreaded going to work."

to waste time or behave in a silly, playful, or careless way

"The kids goof around after school."

"The children were goofing around in the backyard instead of doing their homework."

a statement that seems modest or self-critical but is intended to highlight something impressive

"His humblebrag annoyed everyone."

"His humblebrag annoyed everyone and he pretended to complain while actually showing off his wealth."

to speak rudely or disrespectfully, often with sarcasm

"Don't smart off."

"The student was sent to the principal's office for continuing to smart off to the teacher."

to anger, irritate, or annoy someone

"You tee me off."

"His constant interruptions during the meeting really began to tee off the presenter."

to insult, belittle, or make a fool of someone, especially in public

"They mug him off."

"The comedian's routine was so offensive that he seemed to deliberately mug off the entire audience."

to mock or ridicule someone, often playfully but sometimes harshly

"We rip on friends."

"The brothers would often rip on each other's fashion choices, but it was all in good fun."

to act with flashy self-confidence

"He tried to swag it out in his new clothes."

"The confident rapper walked onto the stage to swag it out in front of his adoring fans."

feeling jealous or envious of someone or something

"I am jelly of your vacation."

"She was totally jelly when she saw her friend's new car because she could not afford one."

to speak rudely or disrespectfully, especially to someone in authority

"Don't mouth off."

"It is never wise to mouth off to your superior, especially when you are in the wrong."

to bother, provoke, or antagonize someone

"Don't mess with me."

"If you continue to mess with him, you will regret provoking such a formidable opponent."