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pushy
/ˈpʊʃi/
overly assertive
The salesman was so pushy that I hung up the phone.
The salesman was aggressively trying to sell something, making me uncomfortable.
informal
Overly assertive in a way that makes others uncomfortable or annoyed.
She's too pushy when asking for a promotion.
She insists too much on getting a promotion, which feels inappropriate.
The pushy neighbor kept asking about my personal life.
The neighbor was intrusive and demanded information I didn't want to share.
Often implies a lack of respect for others' boundaries or comfort.
Collocations
pushy salespersona salesperson who pressures others to buypushy attitudean overly assertive or demanding manner
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
Don't confuse 'pushy' with 'assertive'. Assertive people express their needs confidently but respectfully, while pushy people disregard others' feelings.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use 'pushy' only when the behavior is unwanted or inappropriate. It's not suitable for describing someone who is naturally confident.
Word Origin
From the verb 'push' + suffix '-y' (indicating 'having the quality of'). First recorded in the early 20th century.
Usage Notes
Used to describe people who are overly persistent or intrusive. Often has a negative connotation.
Word Breakdown
push
to apply pressure or force
root-y
having the quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary