Abrasive

Abrasive is a great high level vocabulary word. It is a noun which means a substance that is rough or scratchy, like sandpaper, which is used to polish, clean or smooth surfaces.

It can also be used as an adjective:

Do not use abrasive cleaners on your non-stick teflon pan.

Because the original meaning of abrasive is one of a rough surface which is a bit painful to rub against your skin so when you use this word to talk about people it has a negative meaning. It means that someone's behavior is harsh or rough.

It's most often used with the word personality.

I don't like Chris, he has an abrasive personality. It rubs me the wrong way.

My new teacher is annoying her voice is high pitched and abrasive.

Have a nice week,

Phil