[Middle English irken, to weary, possibly from Old Norse yrkja, to work, make verses, harangue; see werg- in Indo-European roots.]

Where does the term irk come from?

irk (v.) early 15c., irken, "to trouble (someone), disturb, hinder, annoy;" earlier "be lax, slow, or unwilling (in doing something); be displeased or discontented" (early 14c.); "be weary of, be disgusted with" (c. 1400); of uncertain origin, perhaps from Old Norse yrka "to work" (see work (v.)).

What does being irked mean?

to irritate, annoy, or exasperate: It irked him to wait in line.