In Book 18 of Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus has returned home in disguise, and with the help of Athena is trying to evict the suitors and regain his rightful place. The beggar Arnaeus (nicknamed Irus) insults him and they engage in an exchange of words, with the suitors siding with Irus because he runs errands for them. His entering into and winning the fight with Irus is one reason they dislike Odysseus.
Next, they are somewhat suspicious of him because he is a stranger and apparently impoverished, and begin to both mock him and feel threatened by him when he suggests that he will enroll in their ranks as a suitor to Penelope. Homer recounts:
Eurymachus, son of Polybus, began to speak, jeering at Odysseus, and making mirth for his companions.
Eurymachus concludes by making fun of Odysseus' baldness and age and Odysseus responds by challenging him to a fight. The suitors comment that Odysseus has stirred up brawls and interfered with their previously peaceful existence. Although Telemachus prevents the incipient brawl, the suitors leave resenting and disliking Odysseus.