What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
peckish
Example
I'm feeling a little peckish, let's grab a quick bite. [peckish: adjective]
Example
She nibbled on some crackers to satisfy her peckishness. [peckishness: noun]
famished
Example
After hiking all day, I was famished and ate a huge meal. [famished: adjective]
Example
The refugees were famished and in desperate need of food. [famished: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peckish is a less common word than famished and is mostly used in British English. Famished is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a severe hunger or starvation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between peckish and famished?
Peckish is typically associated with a casual or informal tone, while famished is more formal and serious in tone, often used in emergency or crisis situations.
