hirsute

If someone describes a character in a story as hirsute, don't picture smooth skin. It means they are noticeably hairy. Think of a rugged woodsman with a thick beard and a hairy chest, or a very furry caterpillar. The word comes from the Latin "hirtus," meaning "rough" or "shaggy." You would not usually use it for a baby, but you might say a gorilla is impressively hirsute. It is often used playfully, or to stress a wild, untamed look.

The word hirsute describes someone or something covered in hair, usually hair that seems thick, abundant, or rough. While "hairy" is a perfectly good synonym, hirsute has a slightly more literary or formal tone. It is often used to paint a vivid picture and can suggest wildness, ruggedness, or a slightly untamed appearance.

Originally, the word did not necessarily imply abundance; it simply meant "rough" or "bristly." Over time, its meaning narrowed to refer more specifically to hairiness. You might encounter hirsute in classic literature, where authors often use it to describe gruff, outdoorsy characters such as hermits or explorers. Think of a wizard with a long beard and bushy eyebrows; that is a prime example of a hirsute individual.

However, hirsute is not limited to people. It can also describe animals, such as a hirsute bear lumbering through the forest, or even plants, such as a hirsute stem covered in tiny hairs.

While not common in everyday conversation, hirsute is a useful word to know, especially if you enjoy colorful description. It is a more vivid and slightly more formal way to say "hairy."