prickly

== English == === Etymology === From prickle + -y. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === prickly (comparative pricklier, superlative prickliest) Covered with sharp points. (figurative) Easily irritated. (figurative) Difficult; complicated; hairy or thorny. ==== Synonyms ==== (covered with sharp points): thorny, spiny ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== prick === Adverb === prickly (comparative more prickly, superlative most prickly) In a prickly manner. === Noun === prickly (plural pricklies) (colloquial) Something that gives a pricking sensation; a sharp object. (US, chiefly education, psychology) A person who favours formal, structured, organized settings. Antonym: gooey ==== Derived terms ==== cold prickly