edgy

[ ej-ee ]

adjective

, edg·i·er, edg·i·est.

1. nervously irritable; impatient and anxious.
2. sharp-edged; sharply defined, as outlines.
3. daringly innovative; on the cutting edge.

edgy

/ ˈɛdʒɪ /

adjective

1. usually postpositive nervous, irritable, tense, or anxious
2. (of paintings, drawings, etc) excessively defined
3. innovative, or at the cutting edge, with the concomitant qualities of intensity and excitement

Derived Forms

• ˈedgily, adverb
• ˈedginess, noun

Other Words From

• edgi·ly adverb
• edgi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of edgy¹

First recorded in 1765–75; edge + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Viewers turned in to see Cher’s over-the-top skits and outfits, the era’s biggest stars and the couple’s edgy banter and unbridled joy.

From Los Angeles Times

Much to the chagrin of his critics, Trump’s push to the finish was fueled almost entirely by edgy comedy, which has left many people feeling uneasy about our collective sense of humor.

From Salon

As previously reported, near Harris’ Kenter Canyon home, an edgy lawn sign graces the front yard of a nearly 8,200-square-foot house.

From Los Angeles Times

"To lump these two factors together to create a narrative that my behavior extended beyond bad edgy jokes is disgusting and did not happen," she said.

From BBC

For example, I think telling the story of a couple that separated — I know it sounds not edgy, but for us, it’s edgy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excited
• restless
• skittish
• tense
• uneasy
• uptight