petty

In slang, being petty means being spiteful about small things: holding a grudge over a tiny slight, or getting revenge that’s way out of proportion. People often say it about themselves, with a grin.

What petty means in slang

Wiktionary’s informal sense is someone inclined to annoy or frustrate others out of spite over minor grievances, “extremely vindictive.” Merriam-Webster’s closest sense is small-minded. In practice “petty” covers unfollowing someone over a joke, replying to a text with exactly the same delay they gave you, or bringing up a five-year-old argument. “I’m petty” is a common half-proud confession.

The everyday meanings

Outside slang, petty means minor or unimportant: petty cash, petty crime, petty squabbles. A petty officer is a junior rank in the navy.

Examples

• “She unfollowed me because I liked her ex’s photo. So petty.”
• “He waited three days to reply, so I waited three days. Petty? Yes.”
• “I’m not petty, I just remember everything.”

Where it came from

Merriam-Webster traces petty to Middle English pety, meaning small or minor, an alteration of the French petit. It dates from the 14th century.

Related terms

• Salty: bitter, annoyed.
• Shade: a subtle insult.
• Clapback: a sharp comeback.
• Bless your heart: sympathy, or a polite insult.

More everyday slang is in our Gen Z slang guide.