testy
UK: ˈtɛsti | US: ˈtɛsti
adj. easily irritated or annoyed; short-tempered
adj. marked by impatience or ill humor
The word "testy" traces back to the Latin testis (witness), which evolved into Old French testif (headstrong, stubborn). By the 14th century, Middle English adopted it as "testy," initially meaning "headstrong" or "opinionated," likely influenced by the combative nature of courtroom witnesses. Over time, it shifted to its modern sense of "irritable," reflecting the impatience associated with contentious testimony or provocation. The "-y" suffix reinforces the adjective form.
The testy customer snapped at the waiter for the delayed order.
Lack of sleep made him unusually testy during the meeting.
Her testy reply suggested she was in no mood for jokes.
The debate grew heated as the testy candidates interrupted each other.
Avoid bringing up politics—he’s been testy all morning.