Everyone has them, little annoyances that drive some people crazy while others barely notice. A pet peeve can be as unique as a thumbprint.
"What you might consider a pet peeve, I might not mind all that much," said William Buskist, a psychology professor.
Buskist said one common reason people become annoyed is they are in a hurry to complete a task, or become easily distracted by pet peeves.
In a recent NBC TODAY Show poll, participants were asked to choose between open-mouthed chewing, loud talking in public areas and transportation, inconsiderate cigarette smoking, grammar and language offenses, when people are chronically late, drivers talking on cell phones or lack of table manners as their No. 1 pet peeve.
Open-mouthed chewing was the winner with inconsiderate cigarette smoking coming in second.
Even President Obama has pet peeves.
According to POLITICO.com, the president's list includes scheduled events which interfere with his duties as a dad, when people try to get him to wear baseball gear for teams other than the White Sox, missing his daily workout and what he calls "the shine police," the people who powder his face before he goes on television.
However, Auburn students overwhelmingly said bad drivers were their No. 1 pet peeve.
"My pet peeve is people talking on their cell phones when they are driving because they are completely oblivious to what is going on around them," said Justin Detwiler, a junior in accounting. "It usually slows me and everyone around me down when I'm trying to go somewhere."
Sarah Fisher, a senior in history, agreed.
She said bad drivers are her No. 1 pet peeve because they are usually not paying attention and could cause accidents.
Auburn students have a wide range of pet peeves.
While some are shared, others are unique to the individual person.
"People who are indecisive," said Leigh Barter, a senior in accounting. "Just make a decision! All they have to have is the first thing that comes to their mind. They must prefer something."
Nicole Bentley, a sophomore in French, said her pet peeve is constantly being reminded of her short stature by seemingly everyone.
"I know," Bentley said. "I don't have to be told a kazillion times a day."
Camille Wallace Grant, a senior in international business, said her pet peeve is people who hang out in Auburn after they are 25 years old and hit on younger people.
"Come on, that's creepy," Grant said.
Courtney Hickman, a junior in French education, said people who blow their nose in class is her biggest annoyance.
"It's really gross sounding," Hickman said. "Just step outside the classroom."
Rachel Naftel, a junior in political science, said boys who cry is her pet peeve.
To make matters more confusing, Buskist also explained how pet peeves constantly change.
What one might consider a pet peeve or an annoyance at one time, might not be considered a pet peeve at another time under a different circumstance.
"So, there's a lot of variability in how people interpret and experience their pet peeves from one time to the next," Buskist said.
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