spiky

American  

[spahy-kee] / ˈspaɪ ki /

adjective

spikier, spikiest

1. having a spike or spikes. spike.

2. having the form of a spike; spikelike.

3. acid or peevish in temper or mood; prickly.

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ˈspiky British  

/ ˈspaɪkɪ /

adjective

1. resembling a spike

2. having a spike or spikes

3. informal ill-tempered

4. characterized by violent or aggressive methods

   spiky protestors

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Other Word Forms

• spikily adverb
• spikiness noun

Etymology

Origin of spiky

First recorded in 1570–80; spike ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Smith was not like that in life, although she was described as “spiky” according to those who worked with her, she admitted to being nervous before each take, which explains her devotion to precise delivery.

From Salon

People were difficult—she felt herself grow spiky around them, liable to say the wrong thing and blush right up to her forehead—but the sky made perfect sense to her.

From Literature

Early on, the beats are spiky and distorted, and Rocky seems alternately irritated and angry.

From The Wall Street Journal

So much of his spikier music deserves attention.

From Los Angeles Times

His soliloquies have helped hook a huge audience into the spiky worldview of the show.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annoying
• biting
• caustic
• harsh
• irritating