scratchy

[ skrach-ee ]

adjective

, scratch·i·er, scratch·i·est.

1. causing or liable to cause a slight grating noise:

   a scratchy record.

2. consisting of or marked by scratches: scratches:

   a scratchy drawing.

3. uneven; haphazard:

   He plays a scratchy game.

4. causing itching or other minor irritation of the skin:

   a scratchy woolen sweater.

5. causing or liable to cause a scratch or scratches: scratches:

   scratchy bushes.

6. Chiefly British Slang. peevish; spiteful.

Other Words From

• scratchi·ly adverb
• scratchi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scratchy¹

First recorded in 1700–10; scratch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

When the one win you've got in 16 games was a scratchy old thing against Gibraltar, you'll take whatever Lady Luck is offering.

From BBC

To my surprise, they actually stayed up and kept my arms protected as I whacked scratchy shrubs for several hours.

From Los Angeles Times

It has been a low-key tournament for the England opener and she looked particularly scratchy in her last innings against South Africa.

From BBC

Folks in Running Springs have been here before: the burning eyes, scratchy throats, time eking by as they anxiously awaited their fate.

From Los Angeles Times

The stand-out announcements were on public sector pay: a hoped-for end to scratchy industrial relations, strikes by junior doctors and disruption for the public.

From BBC

Related Words

• cracked
• discordant
• hoarse
• raspy
• raucous