Touchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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touchy

[ ˈtʌtʃi ]

^{Context #1}

emotional

Easily offended or upset; oversensitive.

Synonyms

defensive, irritable, sensitive

Examples of usage

He's so touchy, you have to be careful what you say around him.
I try not to bring up politics with her because she can be touchy about it.

^{Context #2}

difficult

Difficult to deal with or handle; delicate.

Synonyms

delicate, sensitive, tricky

Examples of usage

The situation is very touchy, so we need to approach it carefully.
She's always been touchy about her personal space.

Translations

Translations of the word "touchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sensível

🇮🇳 संवेदनशील

🇩🇪 empfindlich

🇮🇩 sensitif

🇺🇦 чутливий

🇵🇱 drażliwy

🇯🇵 敏感な (びんかんな)

🇫🇷 susceptible

🇪🇸 sensible

🇹🇷 hassas

🇰🇷 민감한

🇸🇦 حساس

🇨🇿 citlivý

🇸🇰 citlivý

🇨🇳 敏感的 (mǐngǎn de)

🇸🇮 občutljiv

🇮🇸 viðkvæmur

🇰🇿 сезімтал

🇬🇪 მგრძნობიარე

🇦🇿 həssas

🇲🇽 sensible

Word origin

The word 'touchy' originated in the early 18th century, derived from the word 'touch' with the suffix '-y' added to indicate a quality or state. It initially meant 'easily hurt' or 'sensitive to touch', later evolving to its current meanings of being easily offended, upset, or difficult to handle. The usage of 'touchy' has remained consistent over the centuries, reflecting the enduring nature of human emotions and sensitivities.