Etymology Journal · R
Rubs me the wrong way
Meaning
- This describes a situation or a person who causes you to feel instinctive irritation or discomfort. You might not be able to name exactly why you dislike them, but your gut says stay away.
Intuitive, skeptical
Used in a sentence
- I cannot explain it, but the new manager really rubs me the wrong way.
- The way he talks to the waitstaff rubs me the wrong way.
- I want to trust his business plan, but his confidence rubs me the wrong way.
The backstory
The phrase comes from the practice of stroking a cat or animal against the direction of its fur, which is physically uncomfortable for the creature. It has been used figuratively since at least the 17th century.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check