pinchy

comparative pinchier · superlative pinchiest

1. informalslightly painful, akin to being pinched

   I pushed my cropped hair up and away from the back of my neck where it was pinchy and itching.

   1993, Milly Bennett, A. Tom Grunfeld, On Her Own: Journalistic Adventures from San Francisco to the Chinese Revolution, 1917-1927

   2 more examples

   It's a rare treat in these days when anyone can truck in a case of trendy flavors, set out a few pinchy wire chairs and call the whole sterile spread an ice cream parlor.

   July 1998, Indianapolis Monthly Vol. 21, No. 13

   I can't keep still. I feel like I'm caught in a trap — my tight corset and pinchy shoes don't help.

   2002, Mary Pope Osborne, Adaline Falling Star

2. informalprone or designed to pinch

   “I don't understand this whatchamacallit. The way it wraps all the way around. Wouldn't it be simpler if it went straight up? Hey, hand me that pinchy thing with the zapper on one end.

   2009, Mark Teague, Doom Machine

   1 more example

   A skittery, pinchy thing ran sideways in front of Roy. It had plenty of legs. “Are you a horse?” he asked. “A horse? I'll pinch you good! A horse is friendly. I'm a crab!” said the crab.

   2009, Andy Rash, Are You a Horse?