skittish
UK[ˈskɪtɪʃ]US[ˈskɪtɪʃ]
adj
(of an animal, especially a horse) nervous and easily frightened.
adj
(of a person) playful or frivolous; not serious.
adj
(of a person) nervous or excitable; easily scared.
Etymology
the origin of 'skittish' is somewhat obscure, though it is likely scandinavian in origin, related to the old norse 'skjóta' meaning 'to shoot'. this connection suggests a core sense of sudden, darting movement. the word entered middle english, evolving to describe the lively, nervous, or unpredictable behavior of animals, particularly horses. by the 16th century, its meaning extended metaphorically to describe people who are playful, frivolous, or easily excitable, capturing the same sense of unpredictable liveliness.
Analysis
the word 'skittish' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely related to the middle english verb 'skite' meaning 'to move quickly or hastily'. it is not productively formed from separable modern english morphemes.
Examples
the skittish colt shied away from the rustling bushes.
she was in a skittish mood, making jokes and unable to focus on the serious discussion.
investors have become skittish following the recent market volatility.