"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation"
About this Quote
The intent is comic self-disclosure without vulnerability. Goldberg isn’t confessing a soft quirk; she’s staking out a persona: someone observant, easily unimpressed, and not interested in performing serenity for other people’s comfort. The line’s rhythm helps, too. "Pet peeves" is a familiar, almost cute phrase; "whole kennels of irritation" swerves into vivid, slightly absurd imagery. You can hear the bark of it. That sensory snap is part of Goldberg’s brand of humor: conversational, accessible, but sharpened by a streetwise edge.
Subtextually, it’s also a small protest against the expectation that women, especially women in public life, should be endlessly patient and pleasant. By exaggerating her irritations, she owns them before anyone can weaponize them as "attitude". In the context of celebrity talk shows, panels, and interviews - spaces that reward likability - Goldberg uses hyperbole as armor: she gets to be funny and frank while keeping the audience on her side. The kennel isn’t just full of annoyances; it’s a controlled environment where she’s the keeper.
Quote Details
| Topic | Witty One-Liners |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Goldberg, Whoopi. (2026, January 16). I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-have-pet-peeves-i-have-whole-kennels-of-129554/
Chicago Style
Goldberg, Whoopi. "I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation." FixQuotes. January 16, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-have-pet-peeves-i-have-whole-kennels-of-129554/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation." FixQuotes, 16 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/i-dont-have-pet-peeves-i-have-whole-kennels-of-129554/. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.





