skittish
SKIT-ish
/ˈskɪt.ɪʃ/
Excusably nervous, easily scared, or unpredictable in behavior.
Frequently used for animals (like horses) or jittery investors who jump or bolt at the slightest noise or change.
The story behind the word. Originating from Northern Germanic and Scandinavian dialects, 'skittish' comes from a root meaning to dart or shoot rapidly across a field. It was first applied to skittish horses that bolted sideways at small leaves blowing in the wind.
Word relationships
- restive: Restive emphasizes resisting control out of nervousness or boredom, while skittish emphasizes being easily frightened.
- fickle: Fickle means changing loyalties quickly, whereas skittish means jumpy and nervous.
- placid: Not easily upset or excited; calm and steady.
- phlegmatic: Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
Commonly confused with
- skit: A skit is a short theatrical comedy sketch, unrelated in modern usage.
Word family
- skittishly (adverb): In a jumpy or easily frightened manner.
- skittishness (noun): The quality of being easily frightened or nervous.
Collocations
- skittish investors
- skittish horse
- skittish mood
Idioms & expressions
- flighty as a bird
- jumping at shadows
Example sentences
- "The young stallion was skittish around loud engines and required a firm, gentle handler." Equestrian / Animals
- "Skittish investors pulled their funds out of the stock market after rumors of economic collapse spread." Financial News
Memory hook
Think of a cat doing a quick SKIT across the room because a cucumber scared it. Jumping or darting away at tiny surprises.
When not to use
Do not use for deep, stationary, dark dread; skittish implies flighty, jumpy movement.
Fun facts
- The game of Nine-pins bowling was historically called 'skittles' because the pins darted away when struck!
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