espinhoso
1. Having sharp points or prickles that can pierce or irritate the skin
The prickly cactus stood tall in the desert.
O cacto espinhoso se erguia alto no deserto.
2. Causing a tingling or stinging sensation on the skin
I felt a prickly sensation after sitting on the coarse fabric.
Senti uma sensação de formigamento após sentar no tecido áspero.
3. Easily annoyed or irritated; touchy or bad-tempered
He has a prickly personality and doesn't take criticism well.
Ele tem uma personalidade irritável e não aceita bem críticas.
4. Causing discomfort or difficulty; thorny or controversial
The prickly issue of immigration divided the community.
A questão espinhosa da imigração dividiu a comunidade.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'prickly' is frequently used to describe interpersonal dynamics—someone with a 'prickly personality' is seen as defensive or easily offended. The term reflects cultural attitudes toward emotional availability and social smoothness. In Brazil, this might be related to concepts of 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility) versus rigidity in personality.
NYC Slang
prickly can mean 'touchy' or 'hard to deal with' - similar to 'difficult' or 'moody'
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