antsy

[ant-see] /ˈænt si/
adjective, antsier, antsiest. Informal.
1.
unable to sit or stand still; fidgety:
The children were bored and antsy.
2.
apprehensive, uneasy, or nervous:
I'm a little antsy since hearing those storm warnings.
Origin
1950-55; ant + -s3 + -y1; cf. -sy
Related forms
antsiness, noun
Examples from the web for antsy
  • As the prayers and hymns flow one after the other, they become antsy.
  • No surprise that lawmakers, goaded by civil-liberties groups, began to get antsy.
  • After too many hours cramped in that place you start to get antsy.
  • The pirates get antsy and the crews are the diversions.
  • All the trouble threatens to further unnerve bidders already antsy about the recently slumping stock market.
  • The protestors are getting antsy and at this point, the longer they wait, the more blood will be shed.
  • But they're starting to hear about it, and they're getting antsy for a taste of it.
  • Except, perhaps, for parents driven mad by waiting in lines with antsy children.
  • In a business historically frantic about change, their plan has made exhibitors antsy and studios curious.
  • Sometimes, an editor might get a little antsy about seeing your story early.
British Dictionary definitions for antsy

antsy

/ˈæntsɪ/
adjective antsier, antsiest
1.
(informal) restless, nervous, and impatient
Word Origin and History for antsy
adj.

1838, American English, from plural of ant + -y (2); probably reflecting the same image as the slang expression have ants in (one's) pants "be restless and fidgety" from a century later. Related: Antsiness.

Slang definitions & phrases for antsy

antsy

adjective
  1. In an anxious, disturbed state; nervous; jittery: But when things are quiet, I get antsy
  2. Sexually aroused; lustful; hot