What does “A pain in the neck” mean?
The slang phrase "a pain in the neck" means that something or someone is incredibly bothersome or annoying. It is often used to express frustration or irritation towards a specific situation or individual.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
This assignment is a pain in the neck. I can't figure it out.
Example
Dealing with my noisy neighbors is a pain in the neck.
Example
Waiting in long lines at the grocery store is a pain in the neck.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing a difficult task or assignment
This assignment is a pain in the neck. I can't figure it out.
Fixing my car's engine is a pain in the neck. I have no idea what I'm doing.
- 2Expressing frustration with a person or situation
Dealing with my noisy neighbors is a pain in the neck. They never quiet down.
Waiting in long lines at the grocery store is a pain in the neck. It takes forever.
- 3Highlighting a general annoyance or inconvenience
Having to wake up early every morning is a pain in the neck. I'm always tired.
Cleaning up after my messy roommates is a pain in the neck. They never clean up after themselves.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The phrase "a pain in the neck" is a common idiom in English that originated in the early 20th century. It is a euphemism for a more vulgar phrase, "a pain in the ass", which has a similar meaning.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "a pain in the neck" is typically used within a sentence, it can also be used on its own to convey frustration or annoyance. For example, if someone asks how your day was, you might respond with "A pain in the neck" to indicate that it was difficult or frustrating.
Is the phrase offensive?
"A pain in the neck" is not offensive in itself. It is a slang phrase used to describe something that is bothersome or irritating.
Audience for the phrase
"A pain in the neck" is a commonly used phrase that can be understood by a wide audience. It is not specific to any particular age group or demographic.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
"A pain in the neck" is widely used across English-speaking regions. It is not specific to any particular accent or region.
