Pronunciation: [θˈɪstli] (IPA) 
The word "thistly" is spelled with the letter "y" at the end to represent the sound of "ee" or /i/. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word would be /ˈθɪs.tli/ with the stress on the first syllable. The /θ/ sound represents the sound of "th" in words like "think" and "thought". The /s/ sound represents the sound of "s" in words like "sun" and "sit". And the /t/ sound represents the sound of "t" in words like "tap" and "top".
Thistly is an adjective that is primarily used to describe something that is covered, filled, or containing thistles. Thistles are flowering plants known for their prickly stems, leaves, and often purple or pink flowers. When something is referred to as thistly, it means that it has an abundance of thistle plants or is heavily populated by them.
Thistly can also be used metaphorically to describe something that possesses qualities similar to those of thistles. In this context, thistly implies a sense of prickliness, hardness, or difficulty. It suggests the presence of obstacles, challenges, or irritations that can cause discomfort or prove to be cumbersome.
The term thistly can also be used to describe the physical sensation of having prickly or thorny objects come into contact with one's skin. It conveys the feeling of being pricked by thistles or similar sharp objects, creating a stinging or irritating sensation.
In summary, Thistly is a term typically used in reference to the abundance of thistles in a particular area or the presence of prickly or thorny plants. It can also be metaphorically applied to describe a situation or condition that is challenging, irritating, or discomforting, much like the prickly nature of thistles themselves.
Overgrown with thistles; prickly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thistly" is derived from the noun "thistle", which refers to a prickly plant with purple or pink flowers and spiky leaves. The etymology of "thistle" can be traced back to the Old English word "thistel", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "thistila". This Proto-Germanic term is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root "*tik", meaning "to sting" or "sharp". Hence, "thistly" describes something that is similar to or related to a thistle, possessing thorns or prickles.
