What does “Get under one’s skin” mean?
The phrase "Get under one's skin" means to highly irritate or bother someone. When something or someone gets under your skin, it means they are causing you annoyance or frustration, sometimes to the point of anger or discomfort.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
His constant complaining really gets under my skin.
Example
The sound of nails on a chalkboard gets under my skin.
Example
She knows how to push his buttons and gets under his skin on purpose.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Expressing annoyance or irritation
His constant complaining really gets under my skin.
The sound of nails on a chalkboard gets under my skin.
- 2Describing intentional provocation
She knows how to push his buttons and gets under his skin on purpose.
His sarcastic remarks always get under her skin.
- 3Highlighting persistent annoyance
The constant noise from the construction site gets under my skin.
Her constant nagging gets under his skin.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The phrase "get under one's skin" originated in the United States and has been in use since the early 20th century. It is derived from the idea of something irritating or bothering someone to the point where it feels like it is getting under their skin.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "get under one's skin" is typically used within a sentence to describe something that annoys or bothers someone. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "get under one's skin" is not offensive. It is a common slang term used to describe something that annoys or bothers someone.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "get under one's skin" is commonly used by English speakers, particularly in the United States. It is understood by a wide range of age groups and is not specific to any particular audience.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The phrase "get under one's skin" is primarily used in the United States, but it is also understood in other English-speaking regions. It is not specific to any particular accent or region.
