Tetchiness

Tetchiness refers to a state of being easily irritated, bad-tempered, or touchy. It's characterized by a tendency to become annoyed or angry quickly and over small matters. This irritability often manifests in a short fuse, a tendency to snap at others, and a general lack of patience. It can stem from various factors, including stress, fatigue, underlying health conditions, or simply a personal predisposition. A person experiencing tetchiness might display a heightened sensitivity to perceived slights or inconveniences, making them difficult to deal with in everyday interactions.

Tetchiness meaning with examples

• After a sleepless night, Sarah's tetchiness was evident when a colleague accidentally bumped into her, resulting in a sharp reprimand. Small things, usually overlooked, now grated on her nerves. The low blood sugar likely exacerbated the situation. She knew she should apologize later, but in that moment, her irritation was overwhelming. She felt annoyed by the simplest things.
• The long commute and frustrating traffic conditions fueled John’s tetchiness. His short responses and abrupt tone worried his family. The tension was palpable, as everyone walked on eggshells around him, trying to avoid triggering his sudden outbursts. He eventually recognized the need for a more calming environment, and considered going back to his audiobooks to de-stress.
• The child's tetchiness was apparent in her constant whining and refusal to cooperate. Simple requests, such as putting away toys, were met with tears and tantrums. Exhaustion and hunger were compounding the issues, turning minor inconveniences into major battles. Her parents tried to remain patient, understanding that her behavior was symptomatic of a difficult day.
• The sudden change in weather and the accompanying pressure shift triggered a flare-up in Martha's tetchiness. Small noises that she normally didn't mind, felt unbearably loud. It was a physical manifestation of her sensitivity, and, once triggered, hard to control until it had passed, which she was now aware of from prior experiences.
• The tetchiness displayed by the customer service representative made the entire interaction unpleasant. Their curt responses and dismissive attitude left the caller feeling frustrated and unheard. What began as a simple query became a source of unnecessary conflict. The customer hung up feeling angrier than when they began, as they still hadn't had their query addressed.