Clammy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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clammy
[ˈklæmi ]
Definitions
feeling
Unpleasantly damp and sticky to touch.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clammy |
Used to describe something that is unpleasantly damp, often with a cold feeling. It is typically negative and suggests an uncomfortable or unhealthy condition.
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| sticky |
Used to describe something that adheres to other surfaces due to being slightly wet or coated with a substance. It often carries a negative connotation.
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| damp |
Used to describe something that is slightly wet, often in a neutral or mildly negative context. It does not necessarily imply discomfort.
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| moist |
Used to describe something that is pleasantly wet or slightly wet in an appealing way. Often used in positive contexts.
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Examples of usage
- My hands were clammy with sweat.
- The clammy seaweed stuck to my skin.
- The clammy weather made me feel uncomfortable.
appearance
Unpleasantly cool and damp.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clammy |
Used to describe something that feels unpleasantly moist, sticky, and cold, often in reference to skin or a place. The term usually carries a negative connotation.
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| cool |
Generally positive, used to describe a comfortable, slightly cold temperature. It also can refer to someone or something trendy and impressive.
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| damp |
Used to describe something that is slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way. Commonly refers to environments, materials, or surfaces.
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| chilly |
Used to describe mildly cold weather or an environment that's a bit uncomfortably cold, but not freezing. It can also refer to a cool and distant emotional state.
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Examples of usage
- The clammy walls of the cave sent shivers down my spine.
- The clammy fog obscured my view of the road.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling clammy can be a physical reaction to anxiety or nervousness, as it often comes with sweating.
- People might experience clammy skin when they are scared or stressed, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response.
- Certain medical conditions, like hyperhidrosis, can cause excessive sweating, leading to clammy hands and feet.
Health
- Clammy skin can sometimes indicate low body temperature or shock, alerting caregivers to potential health issues.
- During fever, the body may produce clammy skin as sweat evaporates, helping to cool down.
- Hydration plays a role in reducing clamminess, as well-hydrated skin tends to feel smoother and less sticky.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often have clammy hands when they are nervous, which helps convey their anxious emotions to the audience.
- The term appears in literature as a description of eerie settings, enhancing the mood of discomfort and fear.
- Songs and poems also use 'clammy' to create imagery of unease, emphasizing moments of awkwardness or fear.
Weather
- Humid weather can make environments feel clammy, affecting comfort levels indoors and outdoors.
- Sea breezes can contribute to clammy feelings, especially right after rain when the air becomes thick with moisture.
- Some regions known for high humidity, like tropical areas, frequently report clammy conditions year-round.
Origin of 'clammy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'clammy' likely comes from the Old English 'clamm', meaning 'sticky or gluey'.
- It was first used in the 15th century to describe things that are slightly moist and unpleasant.
- Related words include 'clam' which refers to both the sea creature and a sticky or moist feeling.
The word 'clammy' originated in the late 16th century, deriving from the Middle English word 'clamm', meaning sticky or viscous. Over time, it evolved to describe something damp and sticky to touch or cool and damp in appearance. The use of 'clammy' to describe the unpleasant sensation of stickiness or dampness has persisted in the English language for centuries.