Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

rub someone the wrong way

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.94 in modern English

Syllables: rub -some-one the wrong way
IPA

38

Scrabble Score

21

Letters

3

Syllables

14

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To cause someone irritation, discomfort or annoyance, often unintentionally, because of one's behavior, manner, attitude or personality.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"“Look, I tell you what, Mac. Seeing how as you're my best friend” “Yeah!” “Maybe you can look into it for me. Go snoop around the shop.” “Can-can I stop you for a second? I'm sorry. I'm a little confused here. You-you just said that he was your best friend? How is he your best friend over me?” “Well, I mean... You banged the waitress. Do I even have to explain that to you? That kind of rubbed me the wrong way, dude.” “Okay. I mean, you know, I don't see how that should factor into whether we're best friends or not. Y'know, to be honest with you, man, I'm a little shocked. I'm-I'm kinda-- I'm thunderstruck.” “Oh, well, I'm sorry, man. But y'know I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean to thunderstrike you. But that's just-- I don't know what to tell you. What do you want to hear?” “I need for you to explain to me how it is that you consider Mac to be a better friend to you.” “Look, now this is just becoming awkward when I have a real problem! And all of a sudden it's about some weird feelings thing! And it's not about your feelings right now! It's about my feelings 'cause I have a problem, okay?. Now, Mac, please, do you think you can find this guy and kick his ass for me?”"

Etymology

From the negative reaction of a cat to being stroked contrary to the direction its fur lies.

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

rubs someone the wrong way (present, singular) rubbing someone the wrong way (participle, present) rubbed someone the wrong way (participle, past) rubbed someone the wrong way (past) rub someone up the wrong way (alternative)

Phrases

rub someone the right way rub up the wrong way take the wrong way

Frequently Paired Words

rub someone the right way rub up the wrong way take the wrong way

Synonyms

chap someone's hide raise someone's hackles aggravate annoy nettle rankle ruffle sting burn someone's ass antagonize bother disgruntle

Questions

What does rub someone the wrong way mean?: To cause someone irritation, discomfort or annoyance, often unintentionally, because of one's behavior, manner, attitude or personality.
Where does rub someone the wrong way come from?: From the negative reaction of a cat to being stroked contrary to the direction its fur lies.

How to pronounce rub someone the wrong way

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