different between hairy vs shaggy

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

Etymology

shag +? -y

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??æ?i/

  Rhymes: -æ?i

Adjective

shaggy (comparative shaggier, superlative shaggiest)

1. With long, thick, and uncombed hair, fur or wool.
   • 1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

     They waited until Dorothy awoke the next morning. The little girl was quite frightened when she saw the great pile of shaggy wolves, but the Tin Woodman told her all. She thanked him for saving them and sat down to breakfast, after which they started again upon their journey.

2. With a surface like shaggy hair; rough nap.

Derived terms

• shaggy dog story

Translations