testy
Testy (adj) means Easily irritated or short-tempered. Example: “He gets testy when he hasn't had his morning coffee.”
How to use testy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuick to snap or get annoyed over small things.
Word forms
testier comparative, testiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gets _____ when he hasn't had his morning coffee.
Etymology
From Middle English testif, "headstrong", from Old French testu, "stubborn" — literally "having a lot of head" (from teste, "head"). The same French root gives modern French tête.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for testy
See all rhymes for testy →Frequently asked questions
What does “testy” mean?
The word “testy” means easily irritated or short-tempered. In plain terms, quick to snap or get annoyed over small things.
How do you pronounce “testy”?
“Testy” is pronounced TEHS-tee (/ˈtɛsti/ in IPA).
How do you use “testy” in a sentence?
Here is “testy” used in a sentence: “He gets testy when he hasn't had his morning coffee.”
What is another word for “testy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “testy” include touchy and tetchy.
What part of speech is “testy”?
“Testy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “testy” come from?
The word “testy” comes from Old French. From Middle English testif, "headstrong", from Old French testu, "stubborn" — literally "having a lot of head" (from teste, "head"). The same French root gives modern French tête.