A cause of irritation is often referred to as a 'PEEVE'. A PEEVE is an annoyance or source of irritation that can range from minor to major. It can be something that someone does, such as talking too loudly, or something that someone says, such as making a joke at someone else's expense. Peeves can also be caused by external factors, such as traffic or noise. No matter the source, a PEEVE can cause a person to become irritated and frustrated.