Word
bitchy
US/ˈbɪtʃi/
UK/bˈɪtʃi/
Definition
adj. unkind or critical about other people in a way that feels mean. You use this to describe someone who says nasty things behind people's backs.
adj. characterised by malicious, spiteful, or critical remarks about others. Typically used to describe a person's temperament or specific comments; carries a strong informal and often derogatory tone.
Examples
“She made a bitchy comment about his new haircut.”
“The atmosphere in the office became toxic because of the bitchy remarks people made about each other's work.”
“While the review was technically accurate, its bitchy tone suggested a personal grudge rather than a fair assessment of the author's latest novel.”
Examples
simple
“She made a bitchy comment about his new haircut.”
contextual
“The atmosphere in the office became toxic because of the bitchy remarks people made about each other's work.”
complex
“While the review was technically accurate, its bitchy tone suggested a personal grudge rather than a fair assessment of the author's latest novel.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'get', or 'sound'.
Etymology
From bitch + -y (adjectival suffix).
From bitch + -y (diminutive suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bitchy