scratchy

[skrach-ee]

adjective

scratchier, scratchiest 

1. causing or liable to cause a slight grating noise.

   a scratchy record.

2. consisting of or marked by scratches: scratches.

   a scratchy drawing.

3. uneven; haphazard.

   He plays a scratchy game.

4. causing itching or other minor irritation of the skin.

   a scratchy woolen sweater.

5. causing or liable to cause a scratch or scratches: scratches.

   scratchy bushes.

6. Chiefly British Slang.,  peevish; spiteful.

Other Word Forms

• scratchily adverb
• scratchiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scratchy¹

First recorded in 1700–10; scratch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The fourth album by Dublin's Fontaines DC sees the quintet take their scratchy, sinister sound and run it through a Technicolor filter.

From BBC

Bethell was scratchy when he did return against India at The Oval but his flowing hands were back on show here.

From BBC

Bethell, who will become England's youngest captain when he leads an under-strength squad in Ireland later this month, looked scratchy and out of form against India, making six and five in his two innings.

From BBC

The sound is raw yet tuneful, with scratchy electric guitars and whomping live drums in place of the synth-ier, more intricately layered productions of “Love Hate Music Box.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then Brooks shifts into the light thriller she’s teased since the opening notes of heaving, scratchy violins.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cracked 
• discordant 
• hoarse 
• raspy 
• raucous