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scratchy

adjective

/ˈskrætʃ i/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scratchy

Having a rough or coarse texture, often causing an uncomfortable or irritating sensation when coming into contact with the skin.
"The tag on my shirt was so scratchy that I had to cut it off."

Detailed meaning of scratchy

When a fabric or material is referred to as scratchy, it means that it feels rough and can cause a slight pricking or itching sensation. For instance, a woolen sweater with coarse fibers may be described as scratchy, as it can provoke a feeling of discomfort or irritation against the skin. Similarly, a label on a clothing item that is made from a stiff material and causes a rough sensation when touched can be considered scratchy. Additionally, scratchy can be used to describe sounds or voices that have a harsh, grating quality, resembling the feeling of scraping or scratching against a surface. Overall, scratchy denotes a rough, coarse texture or a harsh, unpleasant sensation or sound that can provoke discomfort or irritation.

Example sentences containing scratchy

1. The new sweater I bought turned out to be scratchy against my skin.
2. The dry, scratchy throat made it difficult to swallow.
3. She complained about the scratchy blanket on the airplane.
4. The old record played with a scratchy sound.
5. The rough, scratchy towel left my skin feeling irritated.
6. I couldn't wear the scratchy wool scarf without feeling itchy.

History and etymology of scratchy

The term 'scratchy' traces its etymology to the word 'scratch,' which originated from the Old English word 'screccan' or 'screccean.' In Old English, 'screccan' meant 'to scratch or scrape with the nails or claws.' This action of scratching often resulted in a rough, abrasive sensation, much like the feeling one experiences when something rough or coarse comes into contact with the skin. Over time, the adjective 'scratchy' evolved to describe things that cause this uncomfortable or irritating sensation, such as fabrics, materials, or surfaces with a harsh or abrasive texture.

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Further usage examples of scratchy

1. The scratchy fabric of the couch made sitting uncomfortable.
2. His handwriting was so messy and scratchy that it was hard to read.
3. The scratchy bristles of the brush irritated my scalp.
4. The speaker's scratchy voice made it difficult to understand her presentation.
5. I rubbed my itchy, scratchy eyes after spending hours in front of the computer screen.
6. Her scratchy wool sweater made her itch all day.
7. The scratchy fabric of the old couch was uncomfortable.
8. His scratchy voice sounded hoarse from shouting.
9. The rough, scratchy towel felt unpleasant against her skin.
10. The label on the shirt was scratchy and annoying.
11. She couldn't sleep on the scratchy hotel sheets.
12. His scratchy beard left red marks on her cheek.
13. The scratchy sandpaper smoothed the rough wood.
14. The record player emitted a scratchy, nostalgic sound.
15. The dry, scratchy throat signaled an impending cold.
16. The scratchy tag in her dress caused constant irritation.
17. The burlap sack was scratchy against his skin.
18. Her handwriting was barely legible on the scratchy paper.
19. The straw in the barn's loft was scratchy to sit on.
20. The scratchy, old radio played classic tunes.
21. The dry, scratchy grass made picnicking uncomfortable.
22. The blanket's scratchy texture kept her awake.
23. His scratchy handwriting was difficult to read.
24. The blanket's material was too scratchy for a cozy night.
25. The scratchy twigs in the bush snagged her clothes.