Tetchy

Tetchy describes someone or something that is easily irritated, bad-tempered, and quick to take offense. This characteristic stems from a low threshold for frustration or a general predisposition toward being on edge. A tetchy disposition can manifest in snappy remarks, impatience, and a tendency to dwell on minor annoyances. The word implies a temporary, often superficial, annoyance, rather than a deeply ingrained or chronic state of anger. It suggests a degree of petulance and a lack of patience, making interactions with a tetchy person challenging. The source of this irritation can range from physical discomfort to mental strain, or even a simple disruption of routine. Essentially, tetchy people are easily upset by things that others might brush off.

Tetchy meaning with examples

• The old man was famously tetchy, especially in the mornings. If someone dared speak before his first cup of coffee, they'd be on the receiving end of a biting remark. His tetchiness was well known throughout the village, and most people avoided him before noon. He seemed perpetually on edge, waiting for something to go wrong.
• The toddler became tetchy when he missed his afternoon nap, his usual cheerfulness replaced with whines and complaints. His frustration escalated quickly; a dropped toy or a spilled drink would trigger a full-blown tantrum. Any suggestion of a time-out was met with even greater defiance. His tetchy behavior was a clear sign of his sleepiness.
• After enduring a stressful day at work, the lawyer was incredibly tetchy and snapped at his family for trivial matters. His wife walked on eggshells, fearful of provoking his ire. The children knew to be extra quiet. Even the family dog gave him a wide berth. He desperately needed a calming evening and a good night's sleep.
• The faulty computer was tetchy, often freezing or crashing at the worst possible moments. This made the programmer quite frustrated. He'd utter frustrated shouts, sigh loudly, and slam his hands on his desk. Every error message was met with another bout of frustration. The tetchy machine slowed down his progress considerably.