petty slight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petty slight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or trivial insult or offense that may not be significant but still affects someone's feelings. Example: "She was upset over the petty slight he made during the meeting, even though it was unintentional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As with many love affairs that explode over a petty slight, the tensions that soured this relationship are almost like a Greek drama in what they suggest about human flaws.

The New York Times

Though the agent dealt you only a petty slight, without ill intent, you're entitled to work with someone who will treat you with the dignity and respect he shows his male clients.

The New York Times - Magazine

If we're supposed to love our enemies, if Jesus forgave his executioners, can't I at least get over some petty slight?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lacking larger predicaments to rebel against, rock songwriters nursed petty slights and childhood traumas.

The New York Times - Arts

But instead he began to settle the score -- for years of petty slights, both real and imagined.

The New York Times

But what resonated with him, he said, was the NoVA team saying that harsh penalties will be imposed for even petty slights once warnings have been given.

The New York Times

In his 2006 book "The Audacity of Hope," the future president wrote that he could "recite the usual litany of petty slights" directed at him because of his skin color, including being profiled by the police.

The New York Times

The protagonist, Julie Dyan Cannonn), is a young Manhattan housewife whose husband has, unbeknownst to her, been cheating on her as well as disdaining her in a myriad of petty slights.

The New Yorker

Another risk factor appears to be something that researchers call overthinking, a tendency to dwell on petty slights, to mentally replay testy encounters and to wallow in sad feelings.

The New York Times - Science

But much of the violence arises from personal vendettas and petty slights: a quarrel at a New Year's Eve party in Hackney, which ended with a single bullet killing two people, is said to have started when someone trod on the wrong foot.Such brazenly public outrages ought to be easy to solve.

The Economist

Likewise, when Jesus said "turn the other cheek," he meant to petty slights and insults, not to mass murder.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context; while "petty slight" is valid, consider more specific language if the nature of the slight is known (e.g. "unreturned phone call", "forgotten birthday").

Common error

Avoid using "petty slight" to describe genuinely harmful or malicious actions; reserve it for truly minor offenses to maintain credibility and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty slight" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a minor offense or insult that may cause annoyance or resentment. Ludwig AI identifies that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petty slight" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor offense or insult. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples primarily from news and media sources. While not frequently used, the phrase is appropriate for neutral contexts. When using "petty slight", ensure the described offense is genuinely minor to avoid exaggeration and maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "minor offense" or "trivial insult" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

petty insult

This alternative focuses only on the insulting character of the slight and maintains a similar level of formality.

minor offense

Focuses on the action being a small transgression, shifting from the impact to the deed itself.

trivial insult

Highlights the insignificance of the insulting remark or action.

insignificant offense

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence of the offense.

small discourtesy

Highlights the impoliteness and lack of respect, rather than the potential harm.

trifling indignity

Stresses the minor and almost laughable nature of the disrespectful treatment.

inconsequential affront

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the offensive act.

slight indiscretion

Shifts focus to a minor lapse in judgment or inappropriate behavior.

minor transgression

Highlights the violation of a rule or social norm, though a small one.

small injustice

Focuses on the unfairness or inequity, although on a limited scale.

FAQs

How can I use "petty slight" in a sentence?

You can use "petty slight" to describe a small offense that causes annoyance or resentment. For example: "Their argument began over a "petty slight" at dinner."

What are some alternatives to "petty slight"?

Alternatives include "minor offense", "trivial insult", or "insignificant offense", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "petty slight" a formal or informal expression?

"Petty slight" is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. It appears in news and media sources, suggesting it's appropriate for general usage but avoid when it comes to very formal writing.

What makes a "petty slight" different from a major offense?

A "petty slight" is characterized by its insignificance and the minor nature of the offense. It typically doesn't involve serious harm or malicious intent, unlike a major offense.