PECKISH Meaning and
Definition
-
Peckish is an adjective used to describe a slight or mild feeling of hunger. When someone is peckish, they experience a desire or need to eat, but not to the point of experiencing intense or extreme hunger. It is often used to express a subtle sensation of emptiness in the stomach that can be relieved by eating a small snack or meal.
The term "peckish" originates from the verb "to peck," which refers to the quick and small bites taken by birds when eating seeds or insects. The adjective peckish reflects the similarity between the light and intermittent feeding behavior of birds and the mild hunger felt by humans.
This state of mild hunger can arise due to various factors, such as delayed meals, insufficient food intake, or simply feeling unsatisfied after a light meal. People may use the term peckish to convey their desire for a small amount of food to satisfy their appetite temporarily before having a proper meal.
Colloquially, the word peckish can also be used to describe a state of irritability or moodiness that arises due to hunger. In this sense, being peckish may not just refer to a physical sensation of hunger but also the impact it has on one's mood and demeanor.
Common Misspellings for PECKISH
Etymology of PECKISH
The word "peckish" originated from the 16th-century English dialect term "pecke", which means "to eat a little". This term was derived from the Middle English word "pekken" and ultimately from the Old English word "pæcan", both of which mean "to peck". In its original usage, "peckish" meant "slightly hungry" or "having the desire to eat a small amount". Over time, it has come to mean "somewhat hungry" or "slightly famished", and is commonly used in British English.
Similar spelling words for PECKISH
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
