What does Petty mean?

2,052 Views Updated: 12 Jan 2018
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What does Petty mean?

Ever met a person who got on your nerves because they get too caught up in necessary and unimportant things and embroil in too much drama.

Such places and such situations are draining and take a toll on you. You often describe them as petty and unimportant but have you ever really wondered what does petty actually mean and if there are chances that you could be a petty person too. 

What Does Petty Mean?

The word petty is used way too often by all of us. Any difficult person that we encounter who turns menial matters into major arguments immediately becomes petty and any situation that we feel is not worth our attention falls in the same bracket as well. The dictionary describes petty as an adjective which when used to describe a person means someone who tends to make small matters into major issues. It can also be used to refer to an individual who is unkind for no reason. The word petty also refers to a situation that is not of any importance at all and which is not deserving of any attention. Anything that is trivial or trifling can be categorized quite simply under the adjective. 

Petty is used way too often by all of us. Any difficult person that we encounter who turns menial matters into major arguments immediately becomes petty and any situation that we feel is not worth our attention falls in the same bracket as well.


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Some example of the usage of this word is: 

#1. It was petty of him to fight over a broken vase.

#2. The punishment for a petty crime is not too harsh.

#3. He takes delight in petty cruelty

#4. The petty rules in the establishment make everyone really frustrated and annoyed.

Signs That You Are Petty

#1. Being Vindictive

If you take every little thing to heart and retaliate, you are a petty person. If your roommate accidentally ruined something of yours does not mean you will ruin their stuff. This sort of vengeful behavior is pettiness.

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#2. Enjoying Seeing Others Fail

If you cannot see someone else succeed in life and enjoy seeing them fail or not do well, then that again is a sign of pettiness.

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#3. Lead Others On

Whether you plan to go out for lunch with friends or to get into a relationship with someone, if you purposely lead them on and ditch them in the last moment, then it is really petty. This shows you have no respect for the other person's time and feelings.

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#4. You Are Condescending

You look down upon people and treat them as if they are inferior to you.

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#5. You Are Over Dramatic

If you respond too loudly to situations just to get attention and are overly dramatic over menial things, then you are a petty person.

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Have you often encountered people and situations that are petty or do you often show signs of being a petty person? Share your views with us using the comment box given below. 

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Opinion
Yes

Petty is such an umbrella term that it can refer to anyone or anything. A petty person can be one that is shallow and conceited and likes to blow up menial issues. Such people are often the reason for arguments and thrive on all the attention that they can get. This is also because petty people are attention seekers and can go to great extent to look for attention. A petty person can also be the one in a group who always wriggles out of a situation where he or she has to pay up, such misers and freeloaders are also classified under this category and sadly we all know at least one. A petty situation can be one where attention is paid to something that doesn't deserve it. A petty issue is the one that can always be overlooked. It is always a good idea to avoid petty situations and not lose your precious time and energies over it. The same goes for petty people. The best thing to do is to avoid them. 

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