Episode 81: Pet Peeves - AKA Things That Really, Really Annoy You

Listen to this Episode of "Coffee with Gringos" here or on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher.

Ian: Hey everyone, you are listening to “Coffee with Gringos.” I'm Ian Kennedy.

Paige: And I'm Paige Sutherland.

Ian: And today we're going to talk about the things that drive us crazy. Things in society that we don't like, things that really bug us. These are called “pet peeves” in English. So, basically anything that drives you up a wall. Alright, so I feel like we were talking about as we get older, we get more and more of them, at least in our case. So, let's start out with one that you can think of, Paige. What's a pet peeve that drives you crazy?

Paige: I think a lot of the ones I have are around noises. Like, it bothers me when people chew with their mouth open and they chew really loud. I hate when, like, some people just can't be in silence. So, like, say you're working, you're writing, you're doing something and they have to be, like, tapping their feet or tapping their hand. Or maybe they'll, like, do something with their tongue that's just, like, repetitive. Noises really bother me.

Ian: I see, I see. Yeah, it's, like, very distracting, especially trying to do some work. And you just hear the constant tapping of a finger on a desk or a pencil or, I don't know, anything, like, that can really throw you off your concentration.

Paige: Does that bother you or?

Ian: I think maybe less than you but yeah, definitely. If I need to get something done and there's a noise that just is throwing me off track, it's gonna really piss me off.

Paige: What's your biggest pet peeve?

Ian: So, my biggest pet peeve—and it's always been this—is when I hold the door open for someone, and they don't say “thank you.” It's even to the point where I'll hold the door open for someone and if they don't say thank you, I'll give them a real sarcastic “You're welcome.” I'll just say, “You're welcome!” Just to give them the idea, just to let them know that you should say “thank you” for that.” It's a courtesy thing. I'd say most of my pet peeves are around just politeness or courtesy, in general. So that one is one that's always drove me pretty crazy.

Paige: So, you probably are having a tough time in Santiago.

Ian: I think maybe at first. And then yeah, I learned really quickly in the big city, especially here, that there are certain politeness factors that go away. So, I'm used to it now and I'm even finding myself to be less polite, which isn't a good thing. But yeah, you make a really good point, there's some things here that, even just on a cultural level, are kind of different. So yeah, there have been times here where I've struggled with understanding and not getting mad. But it definitely happens with some certain things.

Paige: I know. I think the biggest thing that pisses Kyle off is the street, the sidewalk. Because in in the US, I think, it's just an unwritten rule that you walk on the right side of the sidewalk, you walk on the left when you're walking a certain way. It's just, like, unsaid. But, like, here there's, no, like, rule, so, like, it's, like, almost like a video game of trying to avoid people when you're on a busy sidewalk.

Ian: Exactly.

Paige: It's impossible. And it's tough if you're biking or doing anything, like running, because you have no idea where people are walking.

Ian: Right, there's not really any order. It's like each person that comes towards you, or who you approach, you have to figure out which way to go, which way to juke. It's almost like a football matchup. Another thing that drives me crazy is with the escalators, people doing the same thing. If somebody blocks the left side of the escalator, (it’s) just an inconvenience for anyone behind who needs to get somewhere faster. So, it's not that hard to get on the escalator and go to the right if you're not going to move. But people are with their faces buried in their phones or they're not paying attention or they just don't really give a shit.

Paige: I thought it was interesting because it used to bug me with the metro that people don't let people off before they go on. And especially at rush hour it's impossible because there's, like, so many people trying to get off but then in. It's just, like, not practical and it's like you get elbows in the face, you're pushed. It's unfortunate and I noticed the new metros, they have arrows that are like, “Okay, this is where you're supposed to stand, let people out and in.” It's like we're in kindergarten.

Ian: Yeah, right? People are so dumb we have to have signs right in front of our face.  on the floor, right? On the floor to tell us, “Alright. Wait, wait for the people to go, then you can go on.” Good point. It's like being in kindergarten again.

Paige: I think the biggest thing about pet peeves, as we said, is, like, some things bother you more than others. But the hardest part is that sometimes they're very minor things, and the uncomfortable thing is saying something. So, like, if someone's chewing really loud, it's tough to be like, “Hey, can you stop that?”

Ian: Right, because it can be, like, such a subjective thing and then it's awkward to be asking the person to stop. They realize that they're being annoying. They might think, “Am I annoying all the time? If this is something, I do all the time, something habitual?” So yeah, not only is it uncomfortable, that initial part, but then if you want to let that person know, it's also another layer of awkwardness. Especially if it's, like, a stranger or somebody you don't know really well. It's like, “Dude that's really annoying.”

Ian: Exactly, yeah, they might not take it very well if you don't know them either.

Paige: I feel like, as you said, as I've gotten older, I've acquired more pet peeves. A lot of them honestly have to do with cleaning. Probably acquired them in the past, like, two years where, if I don't make my bed in the morning, like, I'll wake up and I'll, like, in my head, I'll leave, and I have no time. And I'm like, “No, I gotta make my bed.” It's like, I don't know what it is. Or, like, if I'm going to bed and I leave a plate in the sink, I'm like, “Oh, no, it's gonna bother me. I gotta clean it.”

Ian: Yeah, I know you mean exactly. I’m pretty, like, OCD with my things—I really like my things organized, clean. And I'm the same way, if I'm trying to do work or do something in my house or in my in my room, in particular, and it's messy, I feel like I can't do anything until I've, like, cleaned up what's around me. And then once everything's tidy and organized, I'm like, “Alright, now I can do what I need to do.” But before that, it's, like, it's stuck in my head. Like, “Oh, look at all this stuff I have to clean it.” So, yeah, I know you mean by that.

Paige: I never used to be like that. I was never, like, dirty but it just, like, wouldn't mentally bother me. Like, I'll, like, be out the door and then like, “No, I gotta make my bed.” And I'll, like, come back. Because I was like, “This will bother me all day.” Getting old.

Ian: Yeah, I was gonna say we were just talking about that as we get older, maybe we get more and more of those pet peeves. I noticed that too with myself. So, for sure. And just a quick reminder, if you are interested in taking private classes with Dynamic English, go ahead and check out our website at dynamicenglish.cl and there you can sign up for private classes in your apartment, in your house, in your office. You can even now take classes online. Sitting on your couch, you can log on and practice English. It's very easy. So, if you're interested, check us out also, on social media through Facebook or Instagram.

Paige: Are there any, I guess, social pet peeves like you're at a party or talking someone says certain things or maybe interrupt interrupts or anything like that that really bothers you?

Ian: Yeah, it's a probably in general you have those people who can't really, they just can't listen. Sometimes it's, like, it takes a really, it's a skill to be able to just sit and really listen to what someone's saying and process it, and not just be thinking about what you're going to say next. And, I mean, I'm probably guilty of it sometimes too, but there are people who you just, you can't get a word out with them butting in and saying, “Oh, well I did this…” or “Oh, blah blah blah…” You know, these one-uppers, for example. So maybe people that feel like they have something to prove or they have something to have to talk about—maybe something like that, I guess. Yeah. What about you, are there any little social things that that really bug you?

Paige: I mean one I think that bothers me a lot because of social media—Instagram, all that stuff—that, like, when you're hanging out with someone, doing something and they document all of it and post it online.

Ian: Oh my God, that's a really good one.

Paige: It's painful when you're, like, hanging out with someone and you're like, “Okay, like, you're not really here. You're just, like, posting it on your phone and, like, saying how much fun you're having. But, like, you're not even in the moment.”  I don't have any friends like that but, like, when you're, like, with an acquaintance or something and they do that, you’re like “Aw man…” Cringe.

Ian: Oh, so you thank you for bringing that up because I just thought of another major pet peeve that's kind of come around more in the last couple of years for me. But people taking videos at concerts, I can't stand it. I can't stand it. It's like you're that you paid, you know, you paid all this money to see, like, what I consider an art form, live, right?  I want to take it all in live, and process it in my brain—I want to enjoy it, be in the moment. And I can't even do that almost anymore because everyone in front of me has their phone up. I can't see the stage; I can't see what's happening. There's a thousand screens. And you know what? To be honest, nobody gives a shit about your video from when you were at the concert either, right? I think people have this idea that what they're seeing live is going to be projected the same way through social media and I think people couldn't really care less. So not only are you really taking away from your own experience, but you're taking away from other people's experience who were there to see this live show, right? So, I feel like I just got a little heated with that one!

Paige: Yeah, if you’re a listener, do not go to a concert and film near Ian.  You’ve been warned.

Ian: Don't think about it.

Ian: Yeah, I agree. It’s again, that's why there are pet peeves. it annoys me but it's not, it doesn't bother me that much. To me, I'm always just like it's silly. Like what do you do with all those videos? But that reminded me of a pet peeve I have, is I hate when tourists are out on the street and they just stop whenever they want and take photos. And, like, they're always dumb photos, you know. Like a pigeon or, like, a bench. I'm sure, like, something, like, very, you're, like, we're not at, like, a landmark. What are you (doing)? And it's, I feel like tourists just aren't socially aware. Like, they feel like they're living in, like, their amusement park where, like, everyone needs to just, like, let them be—like, go around them. So, I feel like that's always annoying especially when you're in a city because you're, like, walking to work, you're going somewhere you need to go. And all of a sudden, a tourist is like—"Oh!” And there's, like, seven of them—and you're like, “Oh my god, people live here.”

Ian: Me, I live here. Yeah, exactly. That’s so funny.

Paige: That's always bothered me, yeah. Another thing, socially, that bothers me—and I think this happens a lot because of social media—I think our generation is a lot more proactive about activism, but I feel like it's more like a façade. So, I feel like it's annoying when you have a friend or an acquaintance that is like, “Oh, climate change…” or, like, “women's rights feminists” And they, like, post things about it but they don't do anything. Or, like, you're at a party and they're, like, lecturing you and telling you to do this, and it's like, “You don't do anything.” We call them, like, “social justice warriors”.

Ian: Oh yeah.

Paige: So, they're, like, people that talk a lot and make you feel bad about not caring enough or doing something. But it's, like, all you're doing is talking—you're not out there changing or doing anything.

Ian: Exactly. I know you mean. I actually have an acquaintance, whose name will remain anonymous.

Paige: You know who you are…

Ian: Yeah, this person that, you know, they talk about, you know, climate change and bettering the planet, and all the things that need to be done. And this person never cleaned up after themselves in any situation. So, it's like, “Dude, you got to clean up your own mess before you clean up the world.” I understand what you're saying but come on, you got to practice what you preach, right? So, something, like, that is something that, that definitely bugs me.

Paige: It's particularly tough when they’re, like, self-righteous and lecturing because you're like, “Look in the mirror. “Like, what are you doing? So those are some social ones that bother me. We don't hate people; we're just talking about the things that annoy us.

Ian: We're not super bitter. We're not mad at the world. We’re just highlighting a few things that could make it a little better. That’s it.

Paige: Oh, I have another one—people who don't use headphones. We have a gym in the building, and I've gone to the gym countless times, and people just play music and videos on their phone in the gym like it's their private bedroom. And I'm like, “I'd rather not listen to your music.” Do you feel like you've seen that more? I don’t know.

Ian: So, I don't frequent the gym here too much, but even, like you mentioned, back in the States when I would go to the gym, there would be people doing that.

Paige: So, it's just everywhere?

Ian: Yeah, I think it’s, kind of, everywhere. But yeah, it's kind of like, “Hey dude, we're all here.” You know, this isn't your, you know, you're not at home working out. You're here with everyone else, right? So yeah that drives me nuts too.

Paige: I think that's the, like, the summary of all my pet peeves is just, like, a lack of social awareness. I feel like you live in the world, it's not your world. There’s a lot of other people, just be considerate. It's pretty easy.

Ian: Pretty simple, yeah.

Paige: So, wear headphones!

Ian: Wear headphones or Paige is gonna rip your throat out.

Paige: And don't film concerts…

Ian: Don't film concerts. Exactly.  Well, we covered a handful there. Honestly, we probably could keep going. But we don't wanna, like we said we don't hate the world, we don't hate people. We're just highlighting a few things. Okay, so as we mentioned, don't do any of the things we talked about around us or you're gonna to pay for it, okay? So, everybody if you get lost, go online and check out that guide and transcript. Alright, so thank you for listening.

Ian: And we'll talk to you next time.

Paige: “Coffee with Gringos” was brought to you by Dynamic English, where you can learn English simply by using it. If you’re interested in taking classes or just want to learn more, go to our website at dynamicenglish.cl. Thanks for listening.

Key Vocabulary, Phrases and Slang:

1.     to bug (verb): to annoy, bother

• It bugs me when people can’t stop talking.

2.     to drive someone up a wall (idiom): to annoy or bother someone

• My sister drives me up a wall whenever she takes my things without asking me.

3.     to tap (verb): to touch something with an object or finger repeatedly.

• The students are always tapping their pencils on their desks.

4.     to throw someone off (idiom): to confuse someone, to surprise someone.

• It throws me off when people can’t walk on the sidewalk normally.

5.     to piss someone off (idiom): to anger someone, to make mad.

• It pisses me off when people don’t thank me for helping them with something!

6.     unwritten rule (noun): assumed social behavior which is known by all but isn’t written down or spoken of.

• It’s an unwritten rule to wait for people to exit the metro train before entering.

7.     to juke (verb): move or turn quickly to avoid someone or something.

• He juked out of the man’s way on the street so he could keep walking.  

8.     dumb (adjective): stupid, thoughtless

• People are so dumb when they walk in the street looking at their phones.

9.     to chew (verb): to bite and make food easier to swallow.

• I hate how he chews his food so loud all the time.

10.  awkward (adjective): uncomfortable.

• It was awkward having to tell him that his breath smelled bad.

11.  OCD (noun): abbreviated for “obsessive -compulsive disorder.” A disorder in which people are excessively orderly and clean, with attention to detail.

• Her dad has OCD and spends hours organizing the house every day.   

12.  tidy (adjective): clean, organized.

• She keeps her house very tidy.

13.  to butt in (phrasal verb): to interrupt someone, not allow someone to finish something.

• She always butts in when others are talking and it’s so annoying.

14.  one-upper (noun): someone who always tries to be better or appear better than others.

• John is a real one-upper. He’s always trying to say how much better he is than others.

15.  acquaintance (noun): a person that someone knows but not well enough to call them a “friend.”

• We don’t know each other very well. We’re only acquaintances.

16.  to cringe (verb): to experience disgust or embarrassment for something.

• It makes me cringe to see people chewing their food with their mouth open.

17.  to stand (something): to tolerate or support something.

• I can’t stand when people aren’t polite.

18.  to take something all in (phrasal verb): to fully experience and enjoy something.

• I love taking everything in when I travel to new places.

19.  heated (adjective): passionate or angry.

• She had a heated argument with her boss.  

20.  silly (adjective): dumb, foolish.

• It’s silly to think that people can’t follow the rules.

21.  landmark (noun): an object or attraction that is recognizable or unique to a place.

• Chile has many landmarks that I would love to see!

22.  amusement park (noun): large outdoor area with rides, shows, food, entertainment, games, etc.

• Fantasilandia is my favorite amusement park to visit.

23.  façade (noun): something false that appears real, an illusion.

• Some activists put up the façade that they really care about the issues.

24.  to lecture (verb): to talk seriously to someone about something they should do.

• I feel like she is always lecturing me about recycling.  

25.  social justice warrior (noun): someone who promotes socially progressive views in an annoying and non-genuine way.

• There are so many social justice warriors today who care more about looking progressive than actually helping the world.

26.  anonymous (adjective): unknown or unidentified.

• The person involved in the crime will remain anonymous until more details are known.

27.  self-righteous (adjective): feeling morally superior to others.

• I don’t want to hang out with them. They’re always so self-righteous with everything….

28.  bitter (adjective): angry, hurt, a sense of unjust treatment.

• I don’t want to sound bitter but I think that most people are dumb.

29.  to highlight (verb): to select or emphasize something as more important than others.

• We don’t hate people, we’re just highlighting what drives us crazy!

30.  considerate (adjective): polite, kind, thoughtful.

• She is one of the most considerate people that I’ve ever met.