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In a work scenario, 'vex' and 'bother' are pretty much the same, but 'vex' feels a bit more formal and maybe even a touch judgmental, like someone’s doing the minimum and it's getting on your nerves. It's the kind of word you might hear in a meeting when someone’s efficiency is being questioned but they're not exactly called out for it.

For younger people on social media, 'vex' and 'bother' can be used humorously or sarcastically, often to overreact to small things. They might say something's 'vexing' when it's really just a minor annoyance, using the word to sound clever or dramatic, especially in memes or TikTok videos.

In relationships, 'vex' has a more personal flavor, like a recurring irritation from your partner. You don’t say they 'bothered' you , that’s too casual , you ‘feel vexed’ by them, which sounds more intimate and slightly more annoying, as if it's a pattern they keep repeating without realizing it.

From a generational perspective, older folks might use 'vex' as a polite way to describe something they dislike but don’t want to fully commit to disliking. It’s softer than 'annoy,' and they often pair it with words like 'a little' or 'just a bit' to keep it from sounding too grumpy or judgmental.

Culturally, 'vex' leans into the idea of being provoked or even slightly challenged, especially in situations where someone’s actions or attitude are seen as a test. You might hear it in debates or conflicts where the word isn’t just about being annoyed, but about someone being pushed a little too far.