Where does the phrase he ticks me off come from?

The phrase "he ticks me off" likely derives from the idea of a ticking clock, where the sound of ticking can be irritating or annoying. It evolved in American slang, where "tick" is used as a verb meaning to irritate or annoy someone. The phrase captures a sense of frustration or agitation towards someone or something, emphasizing the emotional response it elicits. Its usage reflects a casual, conversational style common in informal English.