scratchy

Scratchy is an adjective used to describe textures that are rough or irritating, as well as sounds or voices that appear harsh to the ear. The term can apply to physical sensations, surfaces, and auditory experiences, often conveying discomfort or roughness.

Texture and surfaces: Scratchy textures include coarse fabrics such as wool or burlap, as well as paper or plaster that abrades the skin. The word can describe clothing that causes itchiness or discomfort, particularly when worn against the skin for extended periods.

Sound and voice: In audio and music contexts, scratchy refers to crackling, popping, or hiss associated with vinyl records, worn grooves, or degraded tape. It can also describe a voice that is rasping, hoarse, or dry, as in a scratchy throat or a scratchy vocal timbre.

Cultural usage: Scratchy is the name of the cat in The Itchy & Scratchy Show, a recurring cartoon within The Simpsons. The character’s name has entered broader usage as a playful reference to roughness in media contexts.

Etymology: The adjective derives from scratch and the suffix -y, indicating a characteristic. The sense related to rough texture is historically primary, with figurative uses describing sounds and sensations developing over time.