# rub someone the wrong way

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To bother, disturb, irritate, or annoy.

## Etymology
From the negative reaction of a cat to being stroked contrary to the direction its fur lies.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rub-someone-the-wrong-way