Is pain in the neck rude?

Understanding the Expression

The phrase 'pain in the neck' refers to something that causes irritation or annoyance, much like saying someone is a 'nuisance.' For example, you might say, 'Joan is truly a pain in the neck with her incessant complaining,' or 'Jack urged his brother to quit being such a pain in the ass.' This colloquialism has been in use since around 1900 and serves as a milder alternative to the more abrasive expressions it is derived from.