Are the expressions "pissed" and "pissed off" inappropriate?

Question

I've seen people go quiet when they hear one of them. I also remember hearing it bleeped on television. Are they inappropriate? To what extent? What audience could or should not hear it?

Answer 1

Most people would consider this word/phrase to be impolite. You may be able to use it in the presence of close friends or family, but outside of those environments, I would avoid its use. It can easily be substituted for "mad" or "angry".

Answer 2

It typically means that a person is angry & it is an impolite way to say it. I would only say it with my closest friends.

Here's a "rule of thumb" also known as a general rule for you - if you can talk about having a bowel movement in front of them, you can say "pissed" in front of them.