What does “Shirty” mean?
The phrase "shirty" means someone is exhibiting signs of irritability or having a short temper. When someone describes another person as "shirty", they are implying that the individual is easily agitated or in a bad mood.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
He got shirty with the waiter when his food took too long to arrive.
Example
Don't get shirty with me; I'm just trying to help.
Example
She's always shirty in the morning until she has her coffee.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing someone's behavior
He got shirty with the waiter when his food took too long to arrive.
Don't get shirty with me; I'm just trying to help.
- 2Expressing someone's mood or temperament
She's always shirty in the morning until she has her coffee.
He's been quite shirty lately, snapping at everyone.
- 3Reacting to someone's irritability
A: Why are you so shirty today? B: I'm just having a rough day, sorry.
When she's feeling shirty, it's best to give her some space.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "shirty" originated in the United Kingdom and is commonly used in British English. It is believed to have derived from the phrase 'to get one's shirt in a twist,' which means to become agitated or upset.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "shirty" is typically used in a sentence to describe someone's behavior, it can also be used on its own to convey the same meaning. For example, if someone asks you why you're acting grumpy, you could simply respond with "Shirty!" to acknowledge their observation.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "shirty" is not offensive. It is a slang adjective used to describe someone who is demonstrating signs of irritability or being short-tempered.
Audience for the phrase
The term "shirty" is commonly used in the United Kingdom and is more likely to be understood by people familiar with British English and its slang. However, it can still be understood and used by English speakers from other regions.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "shirty" is specific to the United Kingdom and is commonly used in British English. It may not be as widely recognized or used in other English-speaking regions.
