The term 'rubbing the wrong way' can be described by three crossword solutions: GRATING (7 letters), PEEVING (7 letters), and ABRASIVE (8 letters). GRATING means to make a harsh sound or to irritate someone. PEEVING means to annoy or irritate someone. ABRASIVE means having a rough surface or being unpleasantly sharp or harsh. All three words describe the phrase 'rubbing the wrong way' in that they all refer to irritating or annoying someone.