nettling

Getting under skin

Nettling is irritating or provoking someone, like the sting of a nettle plant.

It describes persistent, minor aggravation rather than serious offense: His nettling comments finally got under her skin.

The word suggests deliberate or repeated annoyance—someone nettling you keeps at it until you react.

annoyance

irritation

Mild anger or inflammation

vexationFrustrated annoyance
aggravationState of being vexed
exasperationIntense weary annoyance

irking · pestering · bothering · nagging · harassment · badgering · goading · needling · provoking · riling

provocation

goading

Inciting through persistent pressure

incitementProvoking unlawful behavior
instigationAct of provoking action
antagonismActive opposition or hostility

agitation · taunting · baiting · prodding · spurring · rousing · inflaming · stirring up · egging on · winding up

skin-reaction

sting

Sharp wound from insect

rashHeedless or skin irritation
urticariaRaised itchy skin welts
hivesRaised itchy skin reaction

welts · itching · burning · redness · inflammation · irritation · prickling · tingling · swelling · dermatitis

botanical

hairs

Skin-grown keratin strands

trichomesEpidermal outgrowths on plants
histamineAllergy-response compound
stingSharp wound from insect

prickle · contact · brushing · touching · grazing · foraging · remedy · weed · bristles

Opposites

emotional effect

nettlingsoothing

Reducing distress or discomfort

calming · comforting · pleasing · relaxing · pacifying

interpersonal intent/action

nettlingappeasing

Pacifying through concessions

conciliating · placating · mollifying · pacifying · assuaging

interpersonal intent

nettlingappeasing

Pacifying through concessions

conciliating · placating · gratifying · obliging · accommodating

Family

nettle, nettled, nettles, nettlesome

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G