What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hungry
Example
I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse. [hungry: adjective]
Example
She felt hungry after skipping breakfast. [hungry: adjective]
peckish
Example
I'm feeling a bit peckish, let's grab a snack. [peckish: adjective]
Example
After the workout, I'm always a little peckish. [peckish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hungry is more commonly used than peckish in everyday language, especially in American English. Peckish is a less common word and is more commonly used in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hungry and peckish?
Hungry is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while peckish is more informal and less commonly used.