prickly

• Décrit quelque chose de couvert de points acérés (comme un cactus ou un hérisson), ou une personne qui s'irrite facilement ou avec qui il est difficile de s'entendre.

Describes something covered in sharp points (like a cactus or hedgehog), or a person who is easily irritated or difficult to deal with.

1. Covered with sharp pointsB1formal

   Having or covered with protective barbs, quills, spines, thorns, or similar sharp projections.

   couvert de pointes

   • The cactus is a prickly plant that can hurt if touched.
   • Hedgehogs are known for their prickly spines.
   • Be careful of the prickly thorns on that bush.

   Synonymesbarbedbriarybristlysetaceousspikyspinythorny

   Antonymesbaldbareglabroussmooth

2. Easily irritatedB2informal

   Tending to be very irritable, easily annoyed, or quick to take offense.

   irritable, susceptible

   • He's been very prickly lately, snapping at everyone for no reason.
   • She gets prickly when people criticize her work.
   • The boss was in a prickly mood this morning, so I avoided him.

   Synonymescantankerouscrankydefensivegrumpyhuffyirritablepeevishpetulantquick-temperedsensitiveshort-temperedsnappishtestytouchy

   Antonymesaffableeasygoingequablegood-naturedplacid

3. Difficult or awkwardC1informal

   Describing a situation or problem that is delicate, sensitive, or difficult to handle.

   difficile à traiter

   • The negotiations hit a prickly point when discussing salaries.
   • It's a prickly issue that requires careful handling.
   • We need to navigate this prickly situation with diplomacy.

   Synonymesawkwarddelicateknottyproblematicsensitivestickythornyticklishtoughtricky

   Antonymeseasysimplestraightforwarduncomplicated