Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tetchy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😠
Add to dictionary

tetchy

[ˈtɛtʃi ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being tetchy can be linked to stress or anxiety, causing people to be more reactive to their environment.
  • People may become tetchy during periods of fatigue or lack of sleep, which affects mood regulation.
  • Recognizing tetchiness might help individuals understand and manage their feelings better, improving communication.

Pop Culture

  • In television shows, a tetchy character might be used for comedic effect, showcasing their overreactions to mundane situations.
  • Literature often portrays tetchy characters as the source of conflict, emphasizing the humor or tragedy in their interactions with others.
  • Famous tetchy figures in film often end up in hilarious situations, amplifying their irritable nature for entertainment.

Language & Usage

  • Tetchy can describe not only irritability but also impatience, making it useful in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.
  • It's often found in British English, showcasing regional variations in vocabulary and expression of emotions.
  • Similar phrases include being 'short-tempered' or 'hot-headed', giving a richer understanding of how emotions can manifest in speech.

Cultural References

  • Culturally, some societies see being tetchy as a lack of self-control, while others may view it as a sign of being passionate.
  • In comic strips, commonly tetchy characters often highlight social absurdities, making readers laugh at their misfortune.
  • In parenting, children can exhibit tetchiness if tired or hungry, reinforcing the need for understanding children's moods.

Origin of 'tetchy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tetchy' likely comes from the dialectal word 'tetch', meaning touchy or irritable.
  • It entered the English language in the 19th century, reflecting people's behavior in social interactions.
  • Related terms include 'touchy', indicating a sensitivity to criticism or offense.

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.