Slightly offended or annoyed, often by something perceived as unfair or inconsiderate. It describes mild anger mixed with hurt feelings.
Possibly from German 'muffen' (to be sulky) or an imitative word suggesting a slight puffing sound of indignation. The term appeared in English around 1824, maintaining its sense of minor but noticeable irritation.
Miffed captures that uniquely human experience of feeling slighted over relatively minor social violations - it's anger with a touch of wounded dignity. This emotion serves as an early warning system for relationship problems, signaling when our expectations of courtesy or consideration haven't been met.
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