different between hairy vs bristly

English

Etymology

From Middle English hery, heeri, hary, equivalent to hair +? -y. Compare Saterland Frisian hierich (“hairy”), West Frisian hierrich (“hairy”), Dutch harig (“hairy”), German Low German harig (“hairy”), German haarig (“hairy”), Swedish hårig (“hairy”), Icelandic hárugur (“hairy”). Compare also Old English h?riht (“hairy”) and ?eh?re (“hairy”).

The sense "terrifying, scary" possibly results from a blend of hair-raising and scary.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?h???i/
• Rhymes: -???i

Adjective

hairy (comparative hairier, superlative hairiest)

1. Of a person, having a lot of hair on the body.

   a hairy man

2. Of an animal, having a lot of fur.

   hairy mammoth

3. Of a body part other than the head, having hair growing from it.

   She is a great admirer of hairy chests.

4. (informal) Difficult, complex, intricate, or intimidating.

   It’s a hairy problem, and will probably take several weeks to sort out.

5. (informal) Causing anxiety or fright; terrifying, scary.

Synonyms

• (person): furry, hairful, hirsute
• (animal): furry
• (body part): furry, hirsute

Antonyms

• bald
• hairless

Derived terms

• hairily
• hairiness

Translations

See also

• dasypygal

Anagrams

• Yahir

English

Alternative forms

• brisly

Etymology

From Middle English bristli, brustly, equivalent to bristle +? -y.

Adjective

bristly (comparative bristlier, superlative bristliest)

1. Covered with bristles.
2. Easily antagonized; irascible; prone to bristling.

Translations

Anagrams

• trilbys