TESTY Meaning and
Definition
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Testy is an adjective that describes someone's disposition or behavior when they are easily irritated, touchy, or impatient. When a person is testy, they have a tendency to become agitated or short-tempered in response to minor annoyances or provocations. This term is often used to describe individuals who are quick to snap or get angry, usually displaying their impatience or annoyance through curt or snippy remarks, gestures, or reactions.
A testy individual often exhibits impulsive reactions without much restraint or thought, and may display signs of irritability, frustration, or restlessness. They may be prone to outbursts of anger or become argumentative, especially when confronted with challenging situations or when things don't go as planned. Consequently, their mood can change swiftly and unpredictably, making communication and interaction with them difficult or uncomfortable.
It is important to note that being testy is typically a temporary state and not a characteristic trait of an individual's personality. People may become testy due to factors such as stress, fatigue, hunger, or being in an uncomfortable environment. It is crucial for those around a testy individual to be patient, understanding, and empathetic, as their irritability usually subsides once the underlying cause of their agitation is alleviated.
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Fretful; peevish; easily irritated.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TESTY
Etymology of TESTY
The etymology of the word testy can be traced back to the Old French word testif, meaning headstrong or bad-tempered. It, in turn, has its roots in the Latin word testis, which originally referred to a witness or someone who makes a verbal testimony. Over time, testis evolved in Latin to also mean a person who stands as a witness or a contentious person. This eventually led to testif taking on the meaning irritable or easily provoked in Old French, which then transitioned into the modern English word testy.
Similar spelling words for TESTY
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