tetchiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tetchiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of irritability or sensitivity, often in response to minor annoyances. Example: "Her tetchiness was evident when she snapped at her colleague over a trivial mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Seven minutes into the start of the second-half which was growing in its tetchiness, Inverness defender Josh Meekings headed a Greg Tansey corner past the far post when he ought to have hit the target.

The Guardian - Sport

When I ponder my decomposing professional life: the late payment, underpayment, nonpayment and general all-round personal and intellectual violation it inevitably involves, surely my knuckles cramp with cruel and unusual bewilderment or homicidal tetchiness?

The Guardian

Worryingly, if Mr Cameron's tetchiness was at all sincere, he cannot yet see this.

The Economist

This tetchiness may stem from the fact that, even before the current scandals, fund managers were nervous about their ability to draw in and keep new money from investors.

The Economist

They feel they have got nothing in return.There is now a tangible tetchiness in the relationship.

The Economist

Such a poor performance has disappointed its shareholders, and Enel's tetchiness has annoyed regulators, government ministers and investors alike.Mr Scaroni inherited a vastly complex structure, with more than 30 managers reporting directly to him.

The Economist

In fact, the writing only loses its tetchiness when Patrick Hennessey's company reaches Afghanistan and, in often funny passages, begins work weeding out the Taliban in Helmand alongside the pot-smoking, trigger-happy Afghan National Army.

Independent

Whether they can also overcome the tetchiness inherent to gasifiers remains to be seen, in ongoing programs in Africa, Mongolia and Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

LETTER FROM MEXICO about Mexican cookbook author Diana Kennedy... Kennedy, is a cook, writer, and foremost authority on Mexican food... Writer tells about a demonstration of a recipe in Kennedy's impressive kitchen... Kennedy is known for her tetchiness as much as for her wit... Diana Southwood first arrived in Mexico in 1957.

The New Yorker

Even near the end, with little left to live for beyond a misplaced prospect that Cordelia may still survive, the actor communicates a tetchiness to this "foolish, fond old man" that is routed far less easily than Lear banishes those who speak most bravely by choosing silence.

The New York Times - Arts

When Zack, responding to her tetchiness, tells her he just wants to make her happy, she lashes out: "I am not happy, O.K., that's just not my, like, mode of being, so if that's what you're trying to accomplish, stop!" Or is Zack the more fragile one, with the tips of his white tennis shoes poised on the edge of a cliff?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tetchiness" in writing, consider the context. It's most effective when describing a temporary state or reaction to a specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "tetchiness" as a synonym for outright anger or rage. It describes a milder form of irritability and using it inappropriately can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tetchiness" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or quality of being irritable or easily annoyed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academic sources

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tetchiness" functions as a noun denoting irritability, commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage. When writing, consider the nuance of "tetchiness" to describe a mild form of irritation, rather than outright anger. Related terms include "irritability", "testiness", and "irascibility", each with subtle differences. This term is not considered of easy use in acadedmia, thus, if you're searching for something simple, this term may not be for you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irritability

A more general term for being easily annoyed or provoked.

testiness

Implies a sharpness or impatience in one's behavior or speech.

irascibility

Suggests a tendency to become angry quickly and easily.

petulance

Refers to childish sulkiness or bad temper.

crabbiness

Implies a sour, ill-tempered disposition.

grouchiness

Suggests a habitual grumbling or complaining attitude.

cantankerousness

Indicates a bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative attitude.

choleric disposition

A formal way of describing someone who is easily angered.

bad temper

A general term for a tendency to become angry easily.

short fuse

An idiomatic expression for being easily provoked to anger.

FAQs

How can I use "tetchiness" in a sentence?

"Tetchiness" is a noun that describes a state of irritability. For example, "The "pressure is intense", which perhaps explains the strange tetchiness of Jorge Sampaoli this week".

What's a good substitute for "tetchiness"?

Alternatives to "tetchiness" include "irritability", "testiness", or "irascibility". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is "tetchiness" a formal or informal word?

"Tetchiness" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. While not overly technical, it's more common in written English and news reports than in casual conversation. See what Ludwig AI says.

What causes "tetchiness"?

"Tetchiness" can be caused by various factors, including stress, lack of sleep, or minor annoyances. The specific cause often depends on the individual and the situation. Read more examples about "tetchiness" on Ludwig.