What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prickly
Example
Be careful not to touch the prickly cactus. [prickly: adjective]
Example
She can be quite prickly if you criticize her work. [prickly: adjective]
Example
The conversation became prickly when they started discussing politics. [prickly: adjective]
testy
Example
He's been testy all day, so I'm trying to avoid him. [testy: adjective]
Example
The meeting became testy when they couldn't agree on a solution. [testy: adjective]
Example
I'm feeling a bit testy today, so please don't ask me too many questions. [testy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Testy is more commonly used than prickly in everyday language. Testy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while prickly is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prickly and testy?
Both prickly and testy are informal words that are more likely to be used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
