prickly

Everyday

1. Covered in sharp points or prickles, like a hedgehog, cactus or holly. tree →
2. Giving a stinging or tingling feeling: a prickly jumper. tree →
3. (of a person) Easily annoyed or upset; grumpy. tree →
4. (of a problem) Hard to deal with and likely to cause arguments. tree →

In the lessons

In science, prickly plants (cactus, gorse, holly, thistles) use prickles to protect themselves from being eaten; hedgehogs and porcupines have spines. In stories, a prickly character is touchy and grumpy. Health: «prickly heat» is an itchy rash in hot weather. Phrases: «prickly heat», «prickly pear», «prickly as a hedgehog», «a prickly subject».

Examples

• The hedgehog is prickly so foxes leave it alone. tree →
• Be careful, the cactus is very prickly. tree →
• This wool jumper feels prickly on my neck. tree →
• Grandad gets prickly when he is tired. tree →
• Money can be a prickly subject. tree →
• Holly leaves are prickly. tree →
• She got prickly heat on holiday in Spain. tree →

Note

Comparatives: pricklier, prickliest. Noun «prickle» (a sharp point); «prickliness». Related: «prick» (to make a tiny hole). Trap: «prickly» describes the thing or person, «prickle» is the spine itself.