pissed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pissed off" can be used in written English in informal contexts.
Example: "He was so pissed off that he refused to talk to me the rest of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm more pissed off".

The New Yorker

"We'll be pissed off".

The New Yorker

We get pissed off".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Disappointed … I'm pissed off".

The Guardian

And I'm pissed off, I'm really, really pissed off.

The Guardian - Film

You'd be pissed off your whole life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Actually, I'm pissed off Lem is dead.

Independent

"Paul, I'm pissed off," Isham told Haggis.

The New Yorker

"I got so pissed off," says Chang.

The New Yorker

Management got a bit pissed off".

The New Yorker

"I was pissed off," he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pissed off" to convey strong annoyance or anger in informal contexts. It's appropriate when you want to express a feeling more intensely than "annoyed" but less formally than "enraged".

Common error

Avoid using "pissed off" in formal writing or professional communication. While it effectively conveys strong emotion, its informal nature can undermine your credibility in serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pissed off" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of anger or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. Examples include sentences where someone is "pissed off".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pissed off" is a common and acceptable way to express anger or annoyance in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usage. While grammatically sound, it should be avoided in formal writing or professional communication where a more neutral tone is preferred. Alternatives such as "angry", "annoyed", or "irritated" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to consider your audience and the formality of the situation when choosing the right words to convey your emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infuriated

Indicates extreme anger or rage; a stronger expression than "pissed off".

livid

Implies intense anger, often visible through physical signs like flushed skin.

furious

Expresses great anger or rage; comparable to infuriated and livid.

angry

A general term for feeling strong displeasure or hostility; less idiomatic than "pissed off".

outraged

Suggests a feeling of shock and anger, often in response to something unjust or immoral.

indignant

Indicates anger mixed with surprise and injustice; suitable when feeling wronged.

annoyed

Implies mild irritation or displeasure; a weaker expression than "pissed off".

resentful

Expresses bitterness or ill will as a result of perceived unfairness.

irritated

Similar to annoyed, suggesting a state of impatience or frustration.

displeased

A more formal way of expressing dissatisfaction or disapproval.

FAQs

What does "pissed off" mean?

"Pissed off" is an informal expression that means angry, annoyed, or upset. It's stronger than "annoyed" but not as formal as "furious".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pissed off"?

It's appropriate to use "pissed off" in informal conversations with friends, family, or in casual writing. Avoid using it in formal settings, professional communications, or when addressing individuals in positions of authority.

What are some alternatives to saying "pissed off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "angry", "annoyed", "irritated", "infuriated", or "outraged". The best choice depends on the intensity of the emotion and the formality of the situation.

Is "pissed off" considered vulgar?

While not the most offensive term, "pissed off" is considered informal and somewhat vulgar. Exercise discretion and consider your audience before using it. Milder alternatives include "annoyed" or "irritated".