nattery
Definition
Adjective: "nattery" describes a person who is irritable, easily annoyed, or prone to complaining in a peevish manner.
Usage Examples
- (He grew irritable and prone to complaining.)
- (Her peevish, irritable manner affected the atmosphere.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be in a nattery mood": to be temporarily irritable or grumpy.
- Don't ask him for help now; he's in a nattery mood after losing his keys. (He is feeling irritable due to frustration.)
Variants and Related Words
- Natter (verb/noun): to talk idly or chatter; also, a state of irritation (less common).
- She nattered on about the weather. (She chattered aimlessly.)
Synonyms
- Irritable: easily annoyed or angered.
- Peevish: showing annoyance or irritation, especially over trivial matters.
- Grumpy: bad-tempered and sulky.
- Crotchety: irritable and difficult to please, often due to age or habit.
Related Idioms
- To get someone's goat: to annoy or irritate someone.
- His constant humming got her goat, making her nattery. (His humming irritated her, causing her to become peevish.)
Usage Note
"Nattery" is an uncommon, somewhat informal word, often used in British English. It is not to be confused with "natter" (to chat), though both share a root in Old English gnætt (a gnat), suggesting a biting, irritating quality.