Petty behavior is all too common in today’s world, but do you know all the creative ways people describe it? From throwing shade to being extra, our team has gathered the top slang terms for petty that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even picking up a new phrase or two. Stay ahead of the curve and dive into this listicle to level up your petty game!
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1. Salty
When someone is “salty,” they are feeling bitter or resentful about something. It often refers to being upset or angry over a trivial matter.
- For example, if someone loses a game and gets upset, you might say, “Don’t be so salty about it.”
- In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might comment, “The salty responses are starting to roll in.”
- A person might describe their own feelings by saying, “I admit, I’m feeling a little salty about not getting invited to the party.”
2. Butthurt
When someone is “butthurt,” it means they are easily offended or overly sensitive about a particular issue. The term is often used to mock or dismiss someone’s reaction.
- For instance, if someone gets upset over a harmless joke, you might say, “Why are you so butthurt about it?”
- In a heated online argument, one person might accuse the other of being “butthurt” to invalidate their opinion.
- A person might self-reflect and say, “I used to get butthurt over every little comment, but I’ve learned to let things slide.”
3. Trippin’
When someone is “trippin’,” it means they are overreacting or exaggerating a situation. It implies that they are making a big deal out of something that doesn’t warrant such a strong reaction.
- For example, if someone gets upset because their favorite TV show got canceled, you might say, “Why are you trippin’? It’s just a show.”
- In a discussion about a minor inconvenience, someone might comment, “People need to stop trippin’ over the smallest things.”
- A person might reflect on their past behavior and say, “I used to freak out over every little problem, but now I realize I was just trippin’.”
4. Drama llama
A “drama llama” is someone who constantly seeks out or creates drama in their life. It’s a playful term used to describe someone who seems to thrive on chaos and conflict.
- For instance, if someone always has a new dramatic story to share, you might say, “Here comes the drama llama.”
- In a discussion about toxic relationships, someone might mention, “I had to cut ties with a drama llama friend to maintain my sanity.”
- A person might reflect on their own behavior and say, “I used to be a drama llama, but I’ve learned to avoid unnecessary conflicts.”
5. Pouty
When someone is “pouty,” it means they are sulking or acting in a childish manner. It often refers to someone who is upset or disappointed and shows their emotions through a pouty expression or behavior.
- For example, if someone doesn’t get their way and starts sulking, you might say, “Stop being so pouty.”
- In a discussion about someone’s immature behavior, one person might comment, “They always get pouty when things don’t go their way.”
- A person might describe their own emotions by saying, “I admit, I was feeling a bit pouty after not getting the promotion.”
6. Grouchy
Grouchy refers to someone who is consistently in a bad mood or easily irritated. It is often used to describe someone who is grumpy or easily provoked.
- For example, “Don’t talk to him right now, he’s feeling really grouchy.”
- A person might say, “I’m sorry for being grouchy earlier, I was just really tired.”
- Someone might comment, “She’s always so grouchy in the mornings, I try to avoid her until she’s had her coffee.”
7. Touchy
Touchy describes someone who is easily offended or sensitive. It implies that the person is quick to react emotionally to perceived slights or insults.
- For instance, “Be careful what you say around him, he’s very touchy about his weight.”
- A person might warn, “Don’t bring up politics, she’s really touchy about that subject.”
- Someone might comment, “He’s touchy about his height, even though he’s actually quite tall.”
8. Snippy
Snippy refers to someone who is short-tempered or curt in their speech or behavior. It suggests that the person is dismissive or condescending in their interactions with others.
- For example, “She gave a snippy response when asked a simple question.”
- A person might say, “He’s always snippy with customer service representatives.”
- Someone might comment, “I don’t know why she’s so snippy all the time, it’s exhausting to be around.”
9. Petty Betty
Petty Betty is a term used to describe someone who is overly concerned with trivial matters or holds onto grudges over minor issues. It implies that the person is fixated on small, insignificant things.
- For instance, “She’s such a Petty Betty, always making a big deal out of nothing.”
- A person might comment, “Don’t be a Petty Betty, it’s not worth getting upset over.”
- Someone might say, “He’s being a Petty Betty by refusing to talk to her just because she forgot his birthday.”
10. Thin-skinned
Thin-skinned describes someone who is easily hurt or offended by criticism or insults. It suggests that the person is sensitive and takes things to heart.
- For example, “He’s so thin-skinned, any criticism sends him into a spiral.”
- A person might comment, “She’s too thin-skinned to handle constructive feedback.”
- Someone might say, “Being thin-skinned can make it difficult to navigate social situations without getting upset.”
11. Fussy
This word is used to describe someone who is very particular about things or easily irritated. It can also refer to someone who complains a lot.
- For example, “He’s so fussy about his food, he won’t eat anything that isn’t prepared exactly the way he likes it.”
- A parent might say, “My child is fussy about what clothes they wear, they will only wear certain colors.”
- Someone might comment, “She’s always fussy about the temperature in the room, she’s never satisfied.”
12. Sore loser
This term is used to describe someone who doesn’t handle losing well and becomes upset or angry about it. It implies that the person is being petty about losing.
- For instance, “He’s such a sore loser, he throws a tantrum every time he doesn’t win a game.”
- A friend might say, “She’s a sore loser, she can’t stand losing even a friendly competition.”
- Someone might comment, “I hate playing games with him, he’s always a sore loser and ruins the fun.”
13. Sulk
This word is used to describe someone who withdraws emotionally and becomes silent and gloomy because they are upset or disappointed. It implies a petty reaction to a situation.
- For example, “He always sulks when things don’t go his way, it’s so childish.”
- A parent might say, “She’s sulking in her room because I didn’t let her go to the party.”
- Someone might comment, “He’s been sulking all day just because I didn’t agree with his opinion.”
14. Crybaby
This term is used to describe someone who cries easily or complains a lot, especially over small or insignificant things. It implies that the person is being petty or overly sensitive.
- For instance, “Stop being such a crybaby, it’s just a small scratch.”
- A friend might say, “She’s always a crybaby, she cries over the smallest things.”
- Someone might comment, “He’s such a crybaby, he can’t handle any criticism without getting emotional.”
15. Tetchy
This word is used to describe someone who is easily irritated or annoyed, especially over small or insignificant things. It implies a petty reaction to minor annoyances.
- For example, “He’s always so tetchy in the mornings, don’t talk to him until he’s had his coffee.”
- A coworker might say, “She’s tetchy today, better not ask her any questions.”
- Someone might comment, “He’s tetchy about his personal space, he gets annoyed if anyone gets too close to him.”
16. Haterade
This term refers to the act of harboring negative feelings, such as jealousy or resentment, towards someone. It implies that someone is “drinking” a figurative beverage made of hate towards another person.
- For example, “She’s always sipping on that Haterade whenever someone else gets recognition.”
- A person might say, “Don’t waste your time on Haterade. Focus on your own success.”
- Another might comment, “He’s been drinking Haterade ever since she got promoted instead of him.”
17. Grudge-holder
A grudge-holder is someone who holds on to feelings of resentment or anger towards another person or a situation. It implies that the person is unwilling to let go of negative emotions.
- For instance, “She’s such a grudge-holder, she still brings up that argument from years ago.”
- A person might say, “Being a grudge-holder only harms yourself in the long run.”
- Another might comment, “He’s a grudge-holder, always seeking revenge instead of moving on.”
18. Sulky
Sulky refers to the act of being sullen or moody, typically in response to feeling slighted or offended. It implies a petulant or pouting demeanor.
- For example, “She’s sulky because she didn’t get her way.”
- A person might say, “Don’t be so sulky, learn to handle disappointments.”
- Another might comment, “He’s always sulky when he doesn’t get the attention he wants.”
19. Chip on the shoulder
Having a chip on the shoulder refers to having an attitude of being easily offended or defensive, often due to a perceived injustice or past grievance. It implies carrying around a figurative burden or grudge.
- For instance, “He always has a chip on his shoulder, ready to argue with anyone.”
- A person might say, “Don’t go into the meeting with a chip on your shoulder, it won’t help your case.”
- Another might comment, “She’s carrying a chip on her shoulder from that incident years ago.”
20. Picky
Picky refers to the act of being overly selective or critical, especially when it comes to preferences or choices. It implies a tendency to be difficult to please.
- For example, “He’s so picky, he won’t eat anything that isn’t cooked exactly to his liking.”
- A person might say, “Being too picky can limit your options and opportunities.”
- Another might comment, “She’s picky about her clothes, always looking for the perfect fit and style.”