Pronunciation: [pˈɛkt at] (IPA) 
The phrase "pecked at" is spelled with the sound /pɛkt/ for "pecked" and /æt/ for "at." The "p" sound in "pecked" is followed by the "e" sound, represented by the letter "e," and ends with the "k" sound, represented by the letter "k." The "a" sound in "at" is represented by the letter "a," and ends with the "t" sound, represented by the letter "t." In IPA phonetic transcription, "pecked at" is written as /pɛkt ət/.
The term "pecked at" refers to the action of repeatedly tapping or striking at something with small, quick, and sharp movements, usually done with the beak or a similar object. This term is commonly used in the context of birds, especially those with beaks adapted for pecking.
In the literal sense, when a bird or poultry "pecks at" something, it entails a rhythmic striking or tapping motion, often used for feeding or searching for food. Birds typically employ this action to break open seeds, forage for insects, or reach the desired food source.
Figuratively, "pecked at" can be used to describe a repetitive and superficial type of interaction, often characterized as being hesitant or indecisive. For instance, if someone is continuously poking around at a problem or issue without fully engaging or committing to solving it, they might be said to be "pecking at" the matter.
Additionally, "pecked at" can describe the act of persistent or nagging criticism, in which someone keeps finding faults or picking on minor flaws. This could be used to depict a relationship dynamic where one person consistently scrutinizes or undermines the other, similar to being pecked at by a persistent bird.
Overall, whether used literally or metaphorically, "pecked at" implies a repeated striking or tapping action that can have various connotations depending on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "pecked at" can be broken down into two parts: "pecked" and "at".
1. Pecked: The verb "peck" can be traced back to the Middle English word "pekken", which meant "to strike sharply". It is believed to have originated from the Old French word "pecquer", meaning "to prick". The French term in turn derived from the Latin word "piccare", meaning "to prick or pierce". Over time, "peck" evolved to refer to the action of birds striking or jabbing their beaks into something, typically to pick at or feed on it.
2. At: The preposition "at" stems from the Old English word "æt", meaning "at, near, or towards". It is related to the similar Dutch word "aan" and German word "an", both with the same meaning.
