"Gotten goat" is a colloquial expression in English primarily used in the United States. It refers to a state of annoyance, frustration, or irritation caused by someone or something. It can also be synonymous with getting agitated, irritated, or angry due to a particular circumstance or person's behavior.
Derived from the noun "goat" meaning a domesticated ruminant mammal typically associated with stubbornness, restlessness, or unpredictable behavior, this idiomatic phrase captures the essence of feeling agitated and perturbed. The word "gotten" is the past participle of "get," often used in American English.
The phrase "gotten goat" is commonly used to describe situations where individuals feel provoked, bothered, or annoyed beyond their tolerance level. It often implies that something or someone has successfully succeeded in getting under one's skin or negatively influencing their emotions.
For example, if someone repeatedly makes loud noises while their neighbor is working from home, the irritated individual may exclaim, "They've really gotten my goat with their constant disruptions!" In this context, "gotten goat" emphasizes the annoyance and frustration experienced in response to someone's actions.
Overall, "gotten goat" reflects a state of irritation or frustration caused by an external factor or individual, highlighting the idiom's roots in portraying the concept of being bothered or provoked by someone or something, similar to the unpredictable nature of a stubborn goat.
