Prickly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
prickly
[หprษชkli ]
Definitions
feeling or appearance
Having or covered with prickles or thorns; spiky.
Synonyms
barbed, prickled, spiky, thorny.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prickly |
Use this word to describe something that feels full of tiny sharp points or a situation that is sensitive. It often describes textures or plants.
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| spiky |
Suitable for describing objects or hair that stands out in sharp points. It's commonly used for sharp plants or edgy fashion styles.
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| thorny |
Ideal for describing plants with large, sharp points or difficult, contentious issues. It can have both literal and figurative meanings.
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| barbed |
This word is appropriate for describing an object that has sharp, hooked points like a fishhook or wire. It can also describe hurtful comments.
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| prickled |
Best used to describe something that has been made slightly painful by small sharp points, such as skin or feelings. Often refers to a physical reaction.
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Examples of usage
- The cactus has prickly needles to protect itself from predators.
- She winced as she touched the prickly surface of the plant.
mood or behavior
In a manner characterized by irritation or annoyance.
Synonyms
irritably, snappishly, testily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prickly |
Used when someone is easily annoyed or has a tendency to react angrily.
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| snappishly |
Used when someone responds sharply and rudely, usually because they are feeling annoyed or angry.
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| irritably |
Used to describe actions or speech performed in an annoyed manner, often because of discomfort or annoyance.
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| testily |
Used to describe someone speaking in a way that shows they are impatient, irritated, or annoyed.
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Examples of usage
- He responded prickly to any criticism of his work.
- She reacted prickly to his teasing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Botanical Characteristics
- Many plants like cacti and thistles have evolved to be prickly for protection against herbivores.
- Prickly cedar trees have sharp foliage that can deter animals while also offering robust wood used in construction.
- Some fruits, such as the rambutan, have a prickly exterior but are sweet on the inside, showing that not all prickly things are harmful.
Emotional Context
- In social situations, a 'prickly' person can be someone who's easily upset or irritable.
- The phrase 'prickly personality' often describes someone hard to approach because they react defensively.
- Using 'prickly' to describe a conversation can indicate that the topic is sensitive or controversial.
Cultural References
- In some cultures, hedgehogs are viewed as charming and protective creatures, linked to the idea of being prickly in a comforting way.
- In children's literature, stories often depict prickly characters, like porcupines, who teach lessons about being misunderstood or protective.
- Pop culture sometimes uses the term 'prickly' to describe tough or abrasive female characters, highlighting resilience.
Animals
- Certain animals, like porcupines and hedgehogs, carry prickly quills for defense against predators.
- The prickly PBS Pufferfish can inflate and use its needle-like spines to deter threats.
- Many reptiles have thorny scales or spikes to blend into their environment while deterring danger.
Origin of 'prickly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'prickly' comes from the Old English word 'prica,' which means 'to pierce or prick.'
- Originally, 'prickly' described things that could prick your skin, like thorns on bushes or brambles.
- It has been used in English literature since the early 14th century to describe not just physical sensations but also emotional discomfort.
The word 'prickly' originated from the Middle English word 'prykkely' which meant full of sharp points. It is derived from the Old English word 'pricel', which means to prick or pierce. The use of 'prickly' to describe something spiky or irritable dates back to the 14th century.