CRINKLY

Crinkly is an adjective used to describe something that has many small folds, wrinkles, or creases, giving a wrinkled or crinkled appearance. It can also refer to sounds produced by such a texture, such as the rustling or crackling made when a crinkly material is handled or moved.

Etymology: The term is formed from the verb crinkle with the -y suffix, and has been used in English since at least the 19th century. It is closely related to crinkled and crinkle, and often functions as a descriptive modifier for texture or sound.

Contexts and usage: In materials, crinkly textures are common in paper, foil, fabrics, and plastics. Crinkly paper or tissue tends to hold creases, while crinkly fabrics are often produced by pleating or chemical finishing to create a deliberately wrinkled surface that catches light. In packaging and consumer goods, crinkly wrappers and bags generate a distinctive sound when handled. In nature, leaves, bark, or dried vegetation may be described as crinkly when their surfaces appear folded or wrinkled. The term can also describe audible phenomena, such as the crinkly sound of cellophane or plastic bags during movement.

See also: Related terms include crinkled (the past participle form) and crinkle (the verb and noun). The word is commonly used in casual writing to convey a tactile or acoustic impression of irregular texture.