Pronunciation: [skˈɪtəɹi] (IPA) 
The word "skittery" is spelled with a "sk" sound followed by "ittery." The "sk" sound is a consonant blend, which means it is made up of two consonant sounds blended together. The "i" in "ittery" is pronounced with a short "ih" sound, and the "e" is pronounced with a short "eh" sound. Lastly, the "ry" is pronounced with a rolled "r" and an "ee" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "skittery" is spelled /ˈskɪtəri/.
Skittery is an adjective used to describe something that is nervous, jumpy, or easily startled. It is typically used to refer to living beings, such as animals or people, but can also be applied to inanimate objects exhibiting sudden or jerky movements. The term suggests a sense of being on edge or highly reactive to stimuli.
When describing animals, skittery implies a high level of nervousness or unease, often resulting in rapid movement or a tendency to startle easily. For instance, a skittery cat might be prone to scampering away at the slightest noise, while a skittery bird could take flight abruptly at the sight of movement. Similarly, skittery individuals may exhibit restlessness, fidgeting, or tense body language in response to perceived threats or unsettling situations.
Moreover, skittery can describe objects or materials that exhibit sudden or unpredictable movements or behavior. This might include a skittery ball bouncing chaotically in various directions or a skittery shopping cart with wheels that move erratically, making it difficult to control.
Overall, the term skittery captures the essence of edginess, jitters, or erratic movements associated with nervousness or an easily startled nature. Its usage helps convey an understanding of heightened sensitivity and an inclination to react swiftly and somewhat unpredictably.
The word "skittery" is derived from the verb "skitter", which dates back to the 18th century. "Skitter" originally meant "to move or run lightly and rapidly", often applied to the movements of small animals or insects. It is believed to be an alteration of the dialectal word "scuttle" or "skuttle", meaning "to scamper quickly". The addition of the suffix "-ery" transforms the verb into an adjective, giving rise to "skittery". The term is commonly used to describe things that are nervous, jumpy, or easily startled, similar to the quick and erratic movements of skittering creatures.
