hairy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hairy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is covered in hair or to metaphorically describe a situation that is complicated or difficult. Example: "The situation became quite hairy when the deadline was moved up unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She gestured to a flower-seller with long, braided hair and the traditional huipil (embroidered blouse) and voluminous skirts of the Juchiteca – but the hands wrapping dripping stems of tuberoses and hibiscus were enormous and hairy, and there was a prominent Adam's apple poking out above the neckline of the blouse.

The Guardian - Travel

A pig-herd ambled over to talk to us, his dark, hairy swine snuffling up acorns around him.

The Guardian - Travel

Chris O'Dowd has some feminine elements – he has big eyes and a full mouth, but he is also very hairy and the sheer bulk of his facial apparatus would put him out of the running in any "passing for a woman" competition.

The Guardian - Film

Simon Hopkinson uses a combination of lard and butter in the shortcrust for his mother's cheese and onion pie, the Hairy Bikers and Lancashire chef Nigel Haworth add egg yolks, and Angela Boggiano uses butter alone in her book Pie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Simplest of all is the Hairy Bikers and Haworth method, which simmers them in water until soft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We followed her advice, walking down to the stream in search of terrapins and otters, or through clusters of cork oak trees, their branches hairy with lichen like the ancient trees of a fairytale forest.

The Guardian - Travel

It is having them tell strangers, "My mummy has a hairy bum".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This year saw a particularly hairy scramble to "thread" Napes Needle, a pinnacle that juts up sharply from a scree slope against the steep side of Great Gable.

The Guardian - Travel

As I blundered off towards the stage she pressed a small, hairy, sticky object into my hand.

The Guardian

All the action is happening over there, so we've sprinted to the gorilla house, and I'm trying to get a glimpse through the reinforced glass of a hairy ape with his back to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Hairy Bikers, aka Dave Myers and Si King, lead the non-fiction table with their book The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hairy" to describe a person or animal, consider the connotations. It can sometimes be perceived as negative, so use it judiciously and be mindful of cultural sensitivities related to body hair.

Common error

Avoid using "hairy" too frequently as a synonym for difficult, as it can become repetitive and dilute the impact. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "challenging", "complex", or "intricate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "hairy" primarily functions as an adjective. It describes a noun by indicating that it has a lot of hair or fur. Ludwig shows this usage in examples like "a hairy man" or "hairy swine". It can also be used metaphorically to describe something difficult or risky.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hairy" is a common adjective with two primary meanings: literally, 'covered in hair or fur', and metaphorically, 'difficult or risky'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in News & Media. When using the term, be aware of potential ambiguity and choose more precise language if necessary. When describing difficulty, consider alternatives such as "complex" or "challenging" to avoid overuse. Be mindful of potential insensitivity when describing someone's physical appearance. In general, the word functions as an adjective and can be used in neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covered in hair

Focuses specifically on the physical characteristic of having a lot of hair.

furry

Similar to "hairy" but more often used to describe animals or objects covered in fur.

hirsute

A more formal and less common synonym for "hairy", referring to having a lot of hair.

difficult

Replaces the metaphorical sense of "hairy" meaning challenging or problematic.

complex

Similar to "difficult", emphasizing the intricate nature of a problem.

complicated

Another way to describe a problem or situation that is not straightforward.

risky

If "hairy" is used to imply danger, "risky" can be a suitable substitute.

hazardous

Similar to "risky", but with a stronger emphasis on potential harm or danger.

treacherous

Describes something that presents hidden dangers or difficulties.

daunting

Emphasizes the intimidating aspect of a task or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "hairy" in a sentence?

You can use "hairy" to describe something covered in hair, as in "a hairy chest", or metaphorically to describe a difficult situation, such as "That was a hairy situation".

What are some synonyms for "hairy" when describing a difficult situation?

Alternatives include "difficult", "complex", "complicated", or "challenging". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "hairy" and "furry"?

"Hairy" generally refers to something covered in hair, while "furry" specifically describes something covered in fur. "Furry" is typically used for animals, while "hairy" can apply to people, animals, or even plants in some contexts.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the word "hairy"?

While generally acceptable, using "hairy" to describe someone's physical appearance can be considered insensitive, especially if used negatively or in a derogatory manner. Be mindful of the context and potential impact.