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Tetchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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tetchy

 

[ ˈtɛtʃi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

The term 'tetchy' refers to a person who is easily irritated or annoyed. It describes a state of being touchy or a little bit short-tempered. Generally, a tetchy person may react defensively over minor issues or situations. This could be due to stress, tiredness, or simply a short fuse that day. It can also imply a lack of patience and a tendency to take offense quickly.

Synonyms

grumpy, irritable, peevish, snappy, touchy

Examples of usage

  • She became tetchy after a long day at work.
  • He's a bit tetchy when he hasn't had his coffee.
  • The tetchy customer complained about everything.

Translations

Translations of the word "tetchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritadiço

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 reizbar

🇮🇩 mudah tersinggung

🇺🇦 дратівливий

🇵🇱 drażliwy

🇯🇵 イライラした

🇫🇷 irritable

🇪🇸 irritable

🇹🇷 huysuz

🇰🇷 짜증나는

🇸🇦 عصبي

🇨🇿 nervózní

🇸🇰 nervózny

🇨🇳 易怒的

🇸🇮 dražljiv

🇮🇸 pirrandi

🇰🇿 тосын

🇬🇪 ნერვიული

🇦🇿 hirsli

🇲🇽 irritable

Etymology

The word 'tetchy' originated in the early 19th century, possibly as a variant of the word 'touchy', which also denotes sensitivity or irritability. It may have roots in the Middle English word 'tecche', meaning to touch lightly, which hints at the fragile nature of a tetchy person's emotional state. The usage of 'tetchy' suggests a close association with mood swings or quick tempers, often characterized by minor provocations leading to significant reactions. Throughout its history, 'tetchy' has retained its meaning related to irritability and sensitivity, illustrating a common human experience of emotional fluctuations that can arise in various situations. Its informal usage became popular in English-speaking countries, contributing to its presence in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,284, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.