What is the meaning of irk ?
a simple definition
To "irk" someone means to make them angry. This is a good word to use in formal conversations and in writing.
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An informal alternative you could also use is "piss off". Let me show you how to use "irk" in the examples below.
examples
It irks my mom when she sees dirty dishes in the sink.
Lin was irked because her friends arrived late.
The noise from the house party irked Mark's neighbors.
You can simply replace "irk" with "piss off" instead, like so:
It pisses off my mom when she sees dirty dishes in the sink.
Lin was pissed off because her friends arrived late.
The noise from the house party pissed off Mark's neighbors.
give it a try
The next time you're about to use the word "angry", think about whether you could use "irk" or "piss off" instead, and 🌶️spice up🌶️ your English vocabulary!
The meaning of the word 'irk'
'Irk' is another word for 'annoy' or 'irritate', but in a more formal sense. It seems to be the more proper way to say these words, so you'd use it in a job interview or when you are talking to a person of power (like a King, Queen, etc)
The history of 'irk'
The word comes from an old Norse word that meant 'to work'. English has changed and evolved with humans as the years and centuries went by, as this word became a part of Middle English (an ancestor of today's modern English) around the 14th century (1300-1390) - the time in which it was a word in the Norse language.
Today's use
As stated before, 'irk' is used in a more formal manner. In the times of the 14th century, royalty ruled over the people. So naturally, words like this were used more often, which still seems to be the case when it comes to formal English. I myself haven't really experienced the use of the word in everyday life, since I do not use formal English very often as a native speaker.
Examples:
You would use 'irk' as you would use 'irritate' or 'annoy'. They are similar words and can be used in a similar context. For example: "It irks her to think of the runaround she received." You could also say: "It irritates her to think of the runaround she recieved."
Conclusion
In conclusion, not many people use 'irk' in modern society. I think it is useful to know the word, in case there is a situation where it is used, but it is not needed for everyday life.
irk
verb
irritate; annoy.
Sentences
Harry likes to irk us with his irrelevant questions.
It must irk Fred when Anna starts complaining.
The baby's nonstop crying began to irk me.
Bella's car makes creaking noises that irk her.
The filibuster really began to irk everyone in the senate.
"it irks her to think of the run-around she received"
Irk
/əːk/
verb: irk; 3rd person present: irks; past tense: irked; past participle: irked; gerund or present participle: irking
Irk means to irritate, bother or annoy someone
1) He irks me when he leaves the lights on in each room.
It irks me when he leave the lights on in each room.
2) It irks me when people don't clean up their mess.
When people don't clean up their mess, it irks me
Irk is a fairly common word to use in place of irritate, bother or annoy.
It is used by both British and American speakers. Next time you are annoyed with something or by someone, try using "irk" instead!
'Irk' is an advanced word that means to annoy or irritate.
Example:
He really irks me.
Just thinking about what he had done irked her.
Fun Facts
'Irk' used to be used as a noun, however this usage is now very uncommon.
If someone is 'irksome', they annoy or irritate you or other people.
Practice Exercise
Which of the following uses 'irk' appropriately?
The irk boy pulled her hair.
She loved how he brought he brought her flowers. It really irked her!
My boss often irks me but there isn't anything I can do about it.
I hope you haven't found this explanation too irksome... 😅