hairy

Everyday

1. Hairy means covered in a lot of hair. tree →
2. Informally, hairy means frightening or dangerous, often in an exciting way («a hairy moment»). tree →

In the lessons

In science it describes animals and plants (hairy caterpillars, hairy leaves, hairy spiders). In everyday life and stories it describes people's arms, legs, chests and pets, and in informal speech a scary situation, like a close call on a bike or in the car. Phrases: «a hairy moment», «things got a bit hairy».

Examples

• My dad has very hairy arms. tree →
• The hairy caterpillar can make your skin itch, so do not touch it. tree →
• Our dog is so hairy that the sofa is covered in fur. tree →
• Some plants have hairy leaves that keep insects away. tree →
• The ride down the steep hill was a bit hairy. tree →
• Things got hairy when the boat started to tip. tree →
• A tarantula is a big, hairy spider. tree →
• Coconuts have a hairy brown shell. tree →
• ‘Oh! what hairy arms you’ve got, Grandmother!’ tree →

Note

Comparative «hairier», superlative «hairiest». The informal sense is casual speech, not for formal writing. Do not confuse with «hare» (an animal like a big rabbit). Safety: some hairy caterpillars can sting or cause a rash.

In Jewish tradition

Esau's hairiness is part of the tale in which Jacob wins the blessing. Esau's name is also linked with the red, hairy look of his birth. Elijah is called a hairy man, wearing a leather belt, and false prophets are warned against wearing a hairy mantle to deceive.

Interpretation. The sages read Esau's rough body as showing his rough nature, while Jacob is the smooth, quiet man. A hairy mantle is read as the clothing of a prophet, so false prophets would not dare to wear it.

Examples

• And the first came forth ruddy, all over like a hairy mantle; and they called his name Esau. (Torah GEN.25.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him. (Torah GEN.27.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother: 'Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. (Torah GEN.27.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Surely God will smite through the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of him that goeth about in his guiltiness. (Writings PSA.68.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they answered him: 'He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins.' And he said: 'It is Elijah the Tishbite.' (Prophets 2KI.1.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be brought to shame every one through his vision, when he prophesieth; neither shall they wear a hairy mantle to deceive; (Prophets ZEC.13.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparative «hairier», superlative «hairiest». The informal sense is casual speech, not for formal writing. Do not confuse with «hare» (an animal like a big rabbit). Safety: some hairy caterpillars can sting or cause a rash.