titchy

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /tɪt͡ʃi/
• Rhymes: -ɪtʃi

Etymology 1

Variant of tetchy, of uncertain etymology.

Adjective

titchy (comparative titchier, superlative titchiest)

1. Alternative form of tetchy: touchy, easily annoyed, irritated, or offended.
   • 1991, Martin Harry Greenberg, Rosalind M. Greenberg, Horse Fantastic, →ISBN:

     Bali was the quiet one, though that wasn't saying he was gentle-—he had plenty of spirit. Zan was the one you had to watch. He'd snake his head out if you walked by his stall, and get titchy if he thought you owed him a carrot or a bit of apple.

   • 2013, Robyn Davidson, Tracks: One Woman's Journey Across 1,700 Miles of Australian Outback, →ISBN:

     He got titchy in return because, no doubt, he couldn't understand why anyone would have camels if they didn't work them; which was quite reasonable but didn't take into account the fact that they were adored pets rather than beasts of burden,...

   • 2017, Kass Harker, Into Another Dimension, →ISBN:

     “What does that do?” Gemma asked. “Just push it, Gem. Then you'll see,” said Edward, getting titchy at his sister. Gemma pushed down on the spongy pad and before she knew what was happening,

Etymology 2

From titch (“small person”) +‎ -y, from the stage name Little Tich.

Adjective

titchy (comparative titchier, superlative titchiest)

1. (informal) Tiny, very small.
   • 1984, Roald Dahl, Boy, page 43:

     Let's 'ave a look at some of them titchy ones.

   • 2014, Jonathan Gash, The Tartan Ringers, →ISBN:

     'Haven't you got little feet?' I said. 'Has everybody got titchy plates in Belgium?'

Anagrams

• Chitty, chitty