Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Itchy: meaning, definitions and examples

🤪
Add to dictionary

itchy

 

[ˈɪtʃi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

skin irritation

Causing an uncomfortable feeling on the skin that makes you want to scratch. Itchy skin can be caused by various factors such as dryness, allergies, insect bites, or skin conditions.

Synonyms

pruritic, scratchy, tingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
itchy

Used in everyday language to describe the feeling of needing to scratch, often due to skin irritation or insect bites.

  • My arm is really itchy from the mosquito bite.
  • After wearing that wool sweater, my neck got so itchy.
scratchy

Used to describe something that causes discomfort or irritation to the skin, not necessarily related to the need to scratch. It can also refer to throat discomfort.

  • This old sweater feels scratchy.
  • I have a scratchy throat from talking too much.
pruritic

Medical term used primarily in healthcare to describe skin conditions that cause itching.

  • The patient is experiencing pruritic symptoms and needs an antihistamine.
  • Eczema is often quite pruritic and requires treatment.
tingly

Used to describe a light, prickling sensation often associated with mild irritation, excitement, or the beginning of numbness.

  • My foot feels tingly after sitting on it for too long.
  • He felt a tingly sensation running down his spine.

Examples of usage

  • My mosquito bites are so itchy!
  • I have itchy skin because of the dry weather.
  • Don't scratch your itchy rash, it will only make it worse.
Context #2 | Adjective

restlessness or impatience

Feeling a strong desire to do something or go somewhere, often out of restlessness or impatience. Itchy can be used to describe a feeling of eagerness or excitement.

Synonyms

eager, impatient, restless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
itchy

When describing a physical sensation where the skin feels like it needs to be scratched.

  • My arm is so itchy after that mosquito bite
restless

When someone feels unable to stay still or calm, often due to anxiety or boredom.

  • The children were restless during the long car trip
impatient

When someone finds it difficult to wait calmly for something and often becomes irritated or restless.

  • He was impatient while waiting in line, constantly looking at his watch
eager

When someone is very enthusiastic and excited about something.

  • She was eager to start her new job

Examples of usage

  • I'm feeling itchy to go on vacation.
  • She gets itchy if she stays at home for too long.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'itch' comes from the Old English 'iccan', which relates to the sensation of crawling on the skin.
  • In ancient times, the term was used to describe discomfort, which has evolved into its current form over centuries.

Psychology

  • Feeling itchy can often increase anxiety, as the brain tends to react strongly to discomforting sensations.
  • Studies show that people often scratch even when the sensation is not caused by an irritant, demonstrating a strong psychological component.

Biology

  • Itching is a complex reaction in the body that involves the nervous system and is usually a response to something irritating the skin.
  • Special cells called mast cells release histamines in response to allergens, which leads to the itchy feeling.

Pop Culture

  • In comedy, the idea of a character becoming excessively itchy often leads to amusing situations, such as overly dramatic scratching.
  • The popular phrase 'Don’t scratch that itch!' is often used metaphorically to advise against giving in to harmful impulses.

Health

  • Chronic itching can be a symptom of underlying health issues, including eczema or liver disease.
  • Moisturizers and anti-itch creams are commonly recommended treatments for alleviating discomfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "itchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coceira

🇮🇳 खुजली

🇩🇪 juckend

🇮🇩 gatal

🇺🇦 сверблячий

🇵🇱 swędzący

🇯🇵 かゆい (kayui)

🇫🇷 démangeaison

🇪🇸 picor

🇹🇷 kaşıntılı

🇰🇷 가려운 (galyoung)

🇸🇦 حكة (ḥikka)

🇨🇿 svědící

🇸🇰 svrbivý

🇨🇳 痒 (yǎng)

🇸🇮 srbeč

🇮🇸 kláði

🇰🇿 қышу

🇬🇪 ქავილი (k'avili)

🇦🇿 qaşıntılı

🇲🇽 picazón

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,154, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.