prickly

• Diz-se de algo coberto de espinhos ou pontas finas e agudas (como um cacto ou ouriço), ou de uma pessoa que se irrita facilmente ou com quem é difícil conviver.

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.

   Espinhoso

   • 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.

   Sinônimosbarbedbriarybristlysetaceousspikyspinythorny

   Antônimosbaldbareglabroussmooth

2. Easily irritatedB2informal

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

   Irritadiço

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscantankerouscrankydefensivegrumpyhuffyirritablepeevishpetulantquick-temperedsensitiveshort-temperedsnappishtestytouchy

   Antônimosaffableeasygoingequablegood-naturedplacid

3. Difficult or awkwardC1informal

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

   Espinhoso

   • 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.

   Sinônimosawkwarddelicateknottyproblematicsensitivestickythornyticklishtoughtricky

   Antônimoseasysimplestraightforwarduncomplicated