The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SPIKY
S
P
I
K
Y
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SPIKY mean?
SPIKY adjective- Having spikes, spiny.
- Hostile; standoffish
- Of hair, erect, resembling spikes.