Scratchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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scratchy

[ˈskrætʃi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Causing a feeling of itchiness or irritation on the skin

Synonyms

irritating, itchy, prickly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scratchy	Describes a rough or coarse surface that can cause discomfort when touched or worn, often used to describe fabrics or materials. The old wool sweater felt scratchy against her skin. He avoided the scratchy blanket because it made him feel uncomfortable.
itchy	Describes a sensation that makes you want to scratch the skin, often due to an allergic reaction, insect bite, or irritation. After walking through the tall grass, she felt itchy all over. The mosquito bite on his arm was really itchy.
irritating	Refers to something that causes annoyance, frustration, or mild discomfort, and is often used to describe sensations, people, or situations. The constant noise from the construction site was very irritating. Her boss's constant micromanagement was irritating.
prickly	Describes something covered in small, sharp points that cause discomfort when touched, often used for plants, materials, or even a person's mood. The cactus has prickly spines that can be painful to touch. He was in a prickly mood, snapping at everyone around him.

Examples of usage

The scratchy wool sweater made her skin itch.
The scratchy fabric of the chair irritated his legs.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

sound

Having a harsh, rough, or grating sound

Synonyms

grating, harsh, rough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scratchy	When describing something that has a slightly irritating surface or sound, often used for fabrics or voices. The sweater is too scratchy to wear without a shirt underneath Her voice became scratchy after hours of practicing the speech
harsh	Used to describe something severe, intense, or unpleasant, whether in tone, environment, or judgment. The desert's harsh climate made survival difficult He received harsh criticism for his performance
rough	Referring to a texture that is not smooth, or conditions that are difficult and unpleasant. Can be used for physical surfaces or situations. The fabric felt rough against her skin He's had a rough week at work
grating	When something causes irritation or discomfort, particularly with sound, and often has a negative connotation. The sound of nails on a chalkboard is incredibly grating His constant complaints were grating on my nerves

Examples of usage

The scratchy record played with a lot of static noise.
Her scratchy voice was hard to listen to.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'scratchy' likely comes from the verb 'scratch,' which means to rub something with your nails or claws.
It was first used in the English language around the early 19th century to describe uncomfortable textures.
The suffix '-y' is used to indicate something is characterized by a specific quality, in this case, being rough.

Sound and Music

In music, a 'scratchy' sound can refer to the noise made by vinyl records that have been worn down over time.
Scratching is a DJ technique where the needle is rapidly moved back and forth on a record, creating a distinct sound associated with hip-hop culture.
Certain musical instruments, like the violin, can produce a 'scratchy' sound if not played delicately, leading to a rougher tone.

Textiles

Some fabrics are described as 'scratchy' when they have fibers that irritate the skin, such as coarse wool.
Manufacturers work to create 'soft' fabrics by weaving techniques that minimize scratchiness for comfort in clothing.
In home decor, 'scratchy' textures can add visual interest but may not be comfortable for everyday use.

Psychology

The texture of items can influence our emotions; 'scratchy' textures might evoke feelings of discomfort or annoyance.
Sound perception studies show that 'scratchy' noises can trigger a stress response in some individuals.
Texture and sound both play significant roles in how we perceive our environments, affecting everything from mood to product choices.

Literature

In literature, 'scratchy' language can evoke a fierce or abrasive character, contributing to the tone of a story.
Poets may use 'scratchy' imagery to represent harsher elements of nature or turbulent emotions.
Classic works often describe environments as 'scratchy' to convey discomfort experienced by characters, enhancing storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "scratchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 áspero

🇮🇳 खुरदरा

🇩🇪 kratzig

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 шорсткий

🇵🇱 szorstki

🇯🇵 ざらざら

🇫🇷 rugueux

🇪🇸 áspero

🇹🇷 pürüzlü

🇰🇷 거친

🇸🇦 خشن

🇨🇿 drsný

🇸🇰 drsný

🇨🇳 粗糙的

🇸🇮 hrapav

🇮🇸 gróft

🇰🇿 қатпарлы

🇬🇪 უხეში

🇦🇿 kobud

🇲🇽 áspero

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,901, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28898 broadcloth
28899 imbue
28900 mayoral
28901 scratchy
28902 conflated
28903 forbearing
28904 twang
...