Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tetchiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😠
Add to dictionary

tetchiness

[ˈtɛtʃɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

Tetchiness refers to the tendency to become easily irritated or annoyed.

Synonyms

irritability, testiness, touchiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tetchiness

Tetchiness is often used when someone is easily annoyed or slightly bad-tempered, especially in a minor or transient situation.

  • Her tetchiness was evident when she snapped at John for the smallest mistake.
  • He showed some tetchiness after missing breakfast and not having his morning coffee.
irritability

Irritability describes a state where someone is easily irritated or annoyed. It is commonly used to describe a persistent mood, often linked with physical discomfort or stress.

  • Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability.
  • Her constant irritability was a sign that she needed a vacation.
testiness

Testiness refers to someone who gets angry or annoyed easily. It is often used to describe a cranky or combative demeanor, usually in short bouts.

  • The testiness in his voice made the room go silent.
  • She answered with testiness, obviously frustrated by the repeated questions.
touchiness

Touchiness refers to being overly sensitive to criticism or perceived slights, often resulting in defensive or hostile reactions.

  • His touchiness made it difficult to discuss any improvements to his work.
  • You should be careful with your words around her; she has a certain touchiness about her past.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his tetchiness, always getting upset over small things.
  • Her tetchiness often leads to conflicts with her colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

Tetchiness can also be described as a state of being easily provoked to anger or impatience.

Synonyms

crabbiness, grumpiness, irascibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tetchiness

Describes a state of being easily annoyed or irritated, often in a short-term context.

  • His tetchiness was evident as he snapped at every little comment.
  • After a long flight, her tetchiness was understandable.
irascibility

Used to describe a more intense and enduring form of irritability and quickness to anger, often implying a negative personality trait.

  • His irascibility made it difficult for him to maintain friendships.
  • She was known for her irascibility, always ready to snap at the slightest provocation.
crabbiness

Often used in a casual or informal setting to describe someone who is in a bad mood and easily aggravated.

  • Don't mind his crabbiness; he's just having a rough morning.
  • Her crabbiness usually goes away after a cup of coffee.
grumpiness

Typically used in a light-hearted or affectionate manner to describe someone who is in a bad mood, often due to tiredness or other minor reasons.

  • His grumpiness in the morning is legendary.
  • The team's grumpiness was obvious after losing the game.

Examples of usage

  • His tetchiness was evident as he snapped at anyone who dared to speak to him.
  • The tetchiness of the customer was understandable given the long wait.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Tetchiness can be a symptom of various mood disorders, often linked to anxiety or unresolved stress.
  • Research indicates that lack of sleep can heighten irritability, making people more prone to tetchiness.
  • Emotional intelligence plays a role; understanding one's triggers can reduce tetchy responses.

Culture

  • In literature, characters depicting tetchiness range from relatable to comical, highlighting the human experience of mood swings.
  • Social media amplifies public displays of tetchiness, where small annoyances can spark large reactions.
  • Tetchiness has been a theme in various art forms, often used to explore personal and societal frustrations.

Popular Culture

  • Many comedic movies use tetchy characters to create humor, showing how annoyances can lead to exaggerated reactions.
  • Reality TV shows often highlight tetchiness among participants, leading to dramatic confrontations.
  • Popular memes and gifs often represent tetchiness, illustrating how easily someone can flip from calm to annoyed.

Health

  • Chronic tetchiness may indicate underlying health issues like hormone imbalances or irritability caused by certain diets.
  • Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help in managing tetchy feelings, reducing overall irritability.
  • Physical activity has been shown to lower irritability, promoting better mood states and a decrease in tetchiness.

Origin of 'tetchiness'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating in the early 19th century, the word is derived from 'tetchy,' meaning touchy or irritable.
  • The related term 'touchy' has similar meanings, hinting at a sensitivity that's easy to provoke.
  • A change from the older usage reflects social and emotional developments over time.

The word 'tetchiness' originated from the Middle English word 'tachy,' meaning 'irritable,' which further evolved into 'tetchy' in the 17th century. The suffix '-ness' was added to form the noun 'tetchiness.'

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,975, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.