When putting words to paper, an out-of-place “e” or “h” can become confusing, even though you know the contextual meaning and pronunciation. “Spiky” or “spikey,” when to use each one, and what should you consider? Afterwards, there is no chance of confusion because this article will differentiate between them and show you when to use the former and the latter.
“Spiky” is the right word to use when your intention is the description of a “jagged, pointy, spiny, or sharp” surface. The adjective is often used to describe someone’s personality when they are easily irritable, have a short temper, or are quick to get annoyed.
Using the right spelling is important for writers because the last thing you want is to confuse your readers. So, if you are unsure about the presence or position of a word, your best bet is to look it up.
What Do The Words “Spiky” And “Spikey” Mean?
“Spiky” and “spikey” depict the same message, but English dictionaries formally recognize only one spelling. But before you can use the word correctly, you must first understand what it means, and you need to read about the etymology for that. Then, you will understand the proper context to use it.
But first, the correct spelling is “spiky.”
“Spiky” has a long history derived from Middle English for “spike, spyke, and spik.”
Let’s also talk about the definition and some synonymous words for better understanding.
The word “spiky” can be defined as a quality of being ill-tempered, short-fused, or quick to anger. But if the aim is to describe the quality of a noun (i.e., a person or pet), use “spiky.” It is also defined as something that is characterized by spikes.
Something spiky can be described as sharp, whether literally or figuratively. It means having sharp, pointy, or jagged features capable of pricking, piercing, or cutting.
Figuratively, something spiky behaves in a manner that is prickly, bristly, or sharp. This is the formal and acceptable spelling to describe a person with a prickly attitude or someone constantly in an irritable mood. An urban spelling has been modified from the word “spiky.” It is used as a descriptive word for a physical or characteristic quality.
“Spikey” is an urban spelling that may not be allowed in formal writing. It could also be a proper noun, the name of someone, or a pet. A person with a “spikey” appearance has a jagged hairdo. There are no synonyms for the variation “Spikey.”
Urban dictionaries now define the word “Spikey.” It describes a person or event as having undesirable qualities like irritableness and nit-pickiness. When describing a person, their mood and reaction to situations leave them as less-than-desirable, especially during their interactions with others.
You can say that someone is “Spikey” because of their appearance. This addresses or describes majorly their hairdo, which is achieved by using many gel products. There are many other urban descriptions of the word “Spikey,” most of which are unacceptable descriptive terms in formal writing and speech.
When To Properly Use The Words “Spiky” And “Spikey” In Sentence?
If you intend to describe a short-tempered person, you can say they are spiky. You can also say a surface or an animal is spiky. The word “spiky” is used when there is a need to describe a surface, texture, or exterior that has more irregular surfaces than smoothness.
You can also use spiky to describe a person’s behavior. If they are spiky, their temper is not admirable and will likely be stirred up more easily. When the aim is to describe an animal with spikes, you can say it is spiky. A porcupine is spiky. A species of plant can also be spiky. Cacti are spiky. To describe something with many spikes on its body, you say it is spiky. Synonyms for it include spiny, pointy, jagged, and
“Spikey” is a noun that refers to the quality of being spiky or having a spiky nature. You can name your pet Spikey because he is a porcupine. You can also call him Spikey if you believe that is his predominant character.
What To Consider?
To use the word “spikey” in a sentence, consider your readers or audience. If they are from a younger demography, they may understand what you mean by “spikey.” But the context is also important.
There are many urban meanings to be derived from the word “spikey,” so the message you want it to reflect or the role it should play in your text must be one where the meaning can easily be interpreted.
In other words, be conscious of how you desire to use the word “spiky.” In a formal environment, stick with “spiky.” But where your readers are more likely to catch onto the meaning more easily, you can go for “Spikey.”
Examples Of The Words “Spikey” And “Spiky” Used In Sentences
Now that you understand different contexts in which the words “spikey” and “spiky” can be used, it is time to explore them in the form of examples for a better grasp of their contextual meaning.
- It is obvious from his spikey hair and well-put-together appearance that the new lecturer is attentive to how he comes off physically.
- Mary Rousseau can easily be described as spiky because of how she converses with her bosses and colleagues at work. She is always close to losing her temper at the slightest inconvenience.
- My old dog spikey finally gave up the ghost last week. She will be missed for more than her prickly.
- By the time the sketch artist finished the witness’s descriptions, a spikey-looking man had emerged on paper. The jagged points of his hair were a dead giveaway.
- Growing cacti is challenging unless you are cool with a couple of pricks here and there. Their spiky nature means growers require patience when handling and caring for them.
- While harvesting some roses from the garden for my sister, some of the spiky parts pricked me several times, but I didn’t mind because I knew the flowers would make her happy.
- “A spiky exterior often hides great beauty, as you will realize.” This was the first sentence in the book that launched the best-selling author to the peak of her career.
- Walking through a rose garden can be compared to Elizabeth’s spiky behavior. She is always on edge and has an equally spiky tongue.
- The CEO needs to work on the spiky atmosphere in his lobby. There are many gossips always lounging around the area, and they have somehow turned it into an unfriendly and judgemental zone. At its root is his receptionist.
- Nobody wants to be in Professor Patience’s class because she is opposite her name. She extends her spiky nature to grading term papers and exams, so students have even lower chances of passing her course.
- The porcupine was able to defend itself against our neighbor’s raging dogs because of its spiky nature. Of course, it would roll up into an untouchable ball of spikes, deterring the most daring or fierce of her five dogs.
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Final Thoughts
“Spiky” vs. “spikey” should no longer leave you confused about the right answer. When something is “spiky,” it may be of this quality or refer to having this nature physically. “Spikey” is also correct but only as a noun, a naming word. “Spiky” will almost always define what you intend to depict as “spikey,” so don’t hesitate to use the right one that applies to the context.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.