pricks all over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pricks all over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sensation of sharp, tingling discomfort or irritation experienced on the skin. Example: "After sitting on the grass for too long, I felt pricks all over my legs from the tiny insects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Prick it all over with a larding needle or the tip of a very sharp knife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scrub but don't peel them, then prick them all over with a fork.

The New York Times - Food

Prick it all over with the tip of a very sharp knife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To eliminate air pockets, he pricked it all over with a multipin gizmo.

The New York Times - Food

To do it, you just scrub sweet potatoes well, prick them all over with a fork and set them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven.

The New York Times - Food

Transfer the pastry to a baking tray lined with baking parchment and prick it all over with a fork to prevent it rising.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2kg large floury potatoes, such as maris piper or king edward 350ml whole milk 150g unsalted butter Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Heat the oven to 200C/390F/gas mark 6. Scrub the potatoes and prick them all over with a fork.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Roll the pastry out to a thickness of about 1/3cm and prick it all over with a fork, then use it to line a 20 x 3cm deep, preferably sloping-sided, tart tin (I use an ovenproof non-stick frying pan which is as close to the original as I can get).

Independent

You'll need to prick it all over with a fork to release steam while baking.

Los Angeles Times

First, it feels like a thousand needles are pricking you all over, then your brain starts to go fuzzy.

Huffington Post

Prick all over with a fork.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully before using the phrase "pricks all over" due to its potentially offensive connotation. In medical or scientific contexts, it may be acceptable to describe a physical sensation, but in general conversation, more neutral terms are preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "pricks all over" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can be perceived as vulgar. Opt for more appropriate alternatives like "tingling sensations" or "irritating discomfort" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pricks all over" functions as a descriptor, denoting either a physical sensation of multiple sharp, tingling feelings across a surface or, more informally, to describe the presence of unpleasant or contemptible individuals. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pricks all over" is grammatically correct but carries a significant risk of being interpreted as offensive. As Ludwig AI highlights, it can describe a tactile sensation or be used as a derogatory term. It is infrequent, primarily appearing in news and media, and should be used cautiously, especially in formal contexts. Alternative phrases such as "tingling sensations" or "jerks everywhere" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning and audience. Careful consideration of context is essential to avoid causing offense or miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needle pricks everywhere

Emphasizes the needle-like quality of the pricking sensation.

small stabs all over

Focuses on the stabbing sensation.

tingling sensations all over

Replaces the potentially offensive word with a more clinical term, focusing on the physical sensation.

sharp sensations across the skin

Emphasizes the sharpness of the feeling and specifies the location as the skin.

irritating sensations everywhere

Focuses on the irritating quality of the sensations.

jerks everywhere

Replaces the first word with a milder insult but keeping the sense of unpleasant people being abundant.

rascals all over

This phrase uses a less offensive term to describe mischievous or badly behaved people.

awful people everywhere

Replaces the original term with a more generally negative description of character.

scoundrels everywhere

Similar to "rascals", this alternative provides a slightly more formal and less offensive way to describe disreputable individuals.

unpleasant characters throughout

Uses a more formal and distanced way of describing undesirable individuals.

FAQs

What does "pricks all over" mean?

The phrase "pricks all over" can describe a sensation of sharp, tingling discomfort or irritation experienced on the skin. It can also be used informally to describe unpleasant or despicable people.

How can I use "pricks all over" in a sentence?

You can use "pricks all over" to describe a physical sensation, such as, "After sitting on the grass, I felt "pricks all over" my legs." However, be mindful of the potentially offensive connotation in other contexts.

Are there less offensive alternatives to "pricks all over"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tingling sensations", "sharp sensations on the skin", or, when referring to people, consider milder terms such as "jerks everywhere" or "rascals all over".

Is it appropriate to use "pricks all over" in formal writing?

Generally, it's best to avoid using "pricks all over" in formal writing. More neutral and professional alternatives are preferable to maintain a respectful and appropriate tone. Consider options like "irritating discomfort" or specific descriptions of the sensation.