tetchy

or tech·y

[ tech-ee ]

adjective

, tetch·i·er, tetch·i·est.

1. irritable; touchy.

tetchy

/ ˈtɛtʃɪ /

adjective

1. being or inclined to be cross, irritable, or touchy

Derived Forms

• ˈtetchily, adverb
• ˈtetchiness, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetchy¹

1585–95; origin uncertain; tetched, -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetchy¹

C16: probably from obsolete tetch defect, from Old French tache spot, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Order a burger from the food truck parked out front, and be prepared to make friends fast—the Nugget is a place where people aren’t tetchy that you’re skiing their mountain.

From Outside Online

They're good boys, as I said afore; but they're quick and tetchy—George, being the youngest, nat'rally is the tetchiest.

From Project Gutenberg

My old tetchy friend here is just the man to have arranged the marriage one day, and had the ceremony performed the next.

From Project Gutenberg

An odd incident during the day, however, showed of what tetchy materials a great populace is made.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Brother Silas is gettin' right smart tetchy with the passin' of the years; he is, so.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't know what I said to that tetchy boy to hurt him," he began in an apologetic tone.

From Project Gutenberg