I'm quite familiar with the idiomatic phrase of getting on one's nerves, but less so with getting on one's last nerve, though I had a friend who used a variation: getting on one's third nerve. Is one version preferred over the other in different locations? Is third nerve used anywhere?
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2Before we start seeing NGrams and Google hit counts, let me point out in advance that there is a malady known as third nerve palsy, which will nullify any of those search strategies.– RobustoJun 17, 2011 at 1:41
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@Robusto I didn't know that, but it could be why my friend used the term if she was familiar with the malady.– Spare OomJun 17, 2011 at 2:00
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@Robusto - I had never heard of that malady (or, rather, I've certainly seen it but never knew its name.) I'd also never heard the phrase "you're getting on my third nerve," but I believe I might start using it - the image of going literally cross-eyed with frustration is irresistible. (My apologies to any actual sufferers of the malady, as no offense is intended.)– MT_HeadJun 17, 2011 at 3:50
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1@Robusto, actually you are not right - ngrams.googlelabs.com/… , but only because third nerve yields no hits (in this form) ;)– UnreasonJun 17, 2011 at 9:50
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@MT_Head, I believe my friend made up getting on my third nerve. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you putting the phrase into circulation. :)– Spare OomJun 18, 2011 at 19:23
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2 Answers
It is a small difference in meaning, as "last nerve" is a bit stronger than just "nerves".
Getting on one's nerves
Indicates that the person is strongly annoyed by someone/something.
Getting on one's last nerve
Indicates that the person has been so annoyed (maybe over a period of time) that he is on the edge to snap.
Getting on one's third nerve
This is one I have not heard before, but I think this is well answered in the comments already posted to the question (initiated by @Robusto with his reference to third nerve palsy).
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I can't accept a comment as the answer, so linking the comments in your answer works. Jun 18, 2011 at 19:28
The "third track" refers to the live electric track on the subway tracks. As in "don't touch the third track". I think that is another connection to referring to the "third nerve" - it's the one that has an unwelcome consequence.
