The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word PIQUES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
I
Q
U
E
S
More clues leading to the result PIQUES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "is irritating" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case is irritating = piques.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PIQUES mean?
PIQUES noun- A feeling of enmity; ill-feeling, animosity; a transient feeling of wounded pride.
- A feeling of irritation or resentment, awakened by a social slight or injury; offence, especially taken in an emotional sense with little thought or consideration.
- Keenly felt desire; a longing.
- To wound the pride of; to excite to anger.
- To take pride in; to pride oneself on.
- To stimulate (a feeling, emotion); to offend by slighting; to excite (someone) to action by causing resentment or jealousy.
- In piquet, the right of the elder hand to count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary counts one.
- To score a pique against.
- A chigger or jigger, Tunga penetrans.
- A durable ribbed fabric made from cotton, rayon, or silk.