- To annoy, irritate, or bother someone persistently.
Explanation
Origin
- The idea likely relates to the nervous system.
- Nerves transmit sensations, including pain and irritation.
- Something that gets on your nerves is like a constant, irritating stimulus affecting your nerves, causing annoyance and frustration.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bugging me
- Grinding my gears
- Being a pain in the ass/neck
- Driving me nuts/bonkers
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Pissing me off
- Getting on my fucking nerves
- Making me lose my shit (implies reaching the breaking point)
Milder:
- Bothering me
- Irritating me
- A bit annoying
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Might be said directly to the person causing annoyance (can be confrontational) or when complaining about someone/something to a third party.
- Avoid saying it directly to superiors or clients unless the relationship is very informal and the situation warrants it (which is rare). Complaining *about* a situation is more common.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well understood. The main nuance is the level of irritation, which can range from mild annoyance to extreme frustration depending on context and tone.
Examples
- His constant humming really gets on my nerves.
- Stop tapping your pen; you're getting on my nerves!
- That loud construction work outside is getting on everyone's nerves.
Dialogue
Anna: Could you please stop clicking your tongue like that?
Ben: Why? Does it bother you?
Anna: Yes, honestly, it really gets on my nerves when I'm trying to concentrate.
Ben: Oh, okay. Sorry about that. I didn't even notice I was doing it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My neighbor's dog barking nonstop is seriously getting on my nerves today. 😩 #annoying #needquiet
- Facebook Status: Is it just me, or does the way he interrupts everyone in meetings get on your nerves too?
- Comment: OMG yes! That constant negativity really gets on my nerves.
Response Patterns
- Apology (if the speaker is the cause): Oh, sorry! / My bad, I'll stop.
- Sympathy (if talking about a third party): Yeah, that sounds annoying. / I can imagine.
- Question: What are they doing? / Why does it bother you so much?
- Agreement: Tell me about it! It drives me crazy too.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says you are getting on their nerves:
- Apologize and stop the behavior: Sorry, I didn't realize.
- Ask for clarification (if unsure): What am I doing?
After someone says a third party is getting on their nerves:
- Ask for details: What is it about them/it that's annoying?
- Offer sympathy or agree: Ugh, I hate it when people do that.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually a reaction or complaint about something specific.
Intonation
- Emphasis often falls on nerves. The word getting might also receive stress, especially if the annoyance is ongoing.
- Can be said with annoyance, frustration, or exasperation. You're really GETting on my NERVES!
Generation Differences
- Very common and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.