Definition

Adjective (British informal): Being in a bad mood, irritable, or annoyed; showing or feeling displeasure or anger.

Usage

This word is primarily used in informal British English to describe someone who is in a bad temper or easily annoyed. It describes a temporary state of irritation.

Examples

• He got very shirty when I suggested he was wrong.
• Don't get shirty with me—I'm just telling you what happened.
• The manager was in a shirty mood all morning after the meeting.

Advanced Usage

• "To get shirty (with someone)": This is a common collocation meaning to become annoyed or angry, often in a confrontational way.
  • He got really shirty with the waiter over the mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Shirtiness (noun, rare): The state or quality of being shirty.
  • His general shirtiness made him difficult to work with.

Synonyms

• Annoyed: Slightly angry or irritated.
• Irritable: Easily annoyed or made angry.
• Testy: Easily irritated or impatient.
• Peeved (informal): Annoyed or irritated.

Antonyms

• Good-humoured: Being in a cheerful and friendly mood.
• Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly manner.
• Placid: Not easily upset or excited.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To have/get one's shirt out": An older, less common phrase with a similar meaning to "get shirty."
  • There's no need to get your shirt out; it was just a suggestion.

Adjective

1. (British informal) ill-tempered or annoyed