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Scratchy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'scratchy'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'scratchy' originated from the verb 'scratch', which dates back to Old English scracian. It evolved over time to describe the sensation of itchiness or irritation on the skin, as well as rough or grating sounds. The word has been used in English language for centuries to depict textures, sounds, and feelings.

See also: scratch, scratchiness.

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.