Prickly: meaning, definitions and examples

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prickly

[ˈprɪkli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The cactus has prickly spines. He was in a prickly mood, so I avoided talking to him.
spiky	Suitable for describing objects or hair that stands out in sharp points. It's commonly used for sharp plants or edgy fashion styles. The plant has spiky leaves. He styled his hair into a spiky look.
thorny	Ideal for describing plants with large, sharp points or difficult, contentious issues. It can have both literal and figurative meanings. The rose bush is thorny. The negotiations are in a thorny stage.
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. The barbed wire fence was difficult to climb over. She made a barbed remark about his appearance.
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. His skin prickled when he walked through the cold air. Her conscience prickled with guilt.

Examples of usage

The cactus has prickly needles to protect itself from predators.
She winced as she touched the prickly surface of the plant.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

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. She can be quite prickly before she’s had her morning coffee
snappishly	Used when someone responds sharply and rudely, usually because they are feeling annoyed or angry. Stop talking to me like that, she said snappishly
irritably	Used to describe actions or speech performed in an annoyed manner, often because of discomfort or annoyance. He spoke irritably after being interrupted multiple times
testily	Used to describe someone speaking in a way that shows they are impatient, irritated, or annoyed. When asked about his plans for the day, he replied testily

Examples of usage

He responded prickly to any criticism of his work.
She reacted prickly to his teasing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "prickly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espinhoso

🇮🇳 कांटेदार

🇩🇪 stachelig

🇮🇩 berduri

🇺🇦 колючий

🇵🇱 kolczasty

🇯🇵 とげのある (toge no aru)

🇫🇷 épineux

🇪🇸 espinoso

🇹🇷 dikenli

🇰🇷 가시가 많은 (gashiga maneun)

🇸🇦 شائك (sha'ik)

🇨🇿 trnitý

🇸🇰 tŕnistý

🇨🇳 多刺的 (duō cì de)

🇸🇮 trnovit

🇮🇸 þyrnótt

🇰🇿 тікенекті

🇬🇪 მჭრელი (mtchreli)

🇦🇿 tikanlı

🇲🇽 espinoso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,252, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18249 plaint
18250 grad
18251 unaccountable
18252 prickly
18253 sleeper
18254 eliciting
18255 smuggled
...