touchy
Don't joke about his cooking—he's really touchy about it.
The person is sensitive and gets upset when criticized.
oversensitive to criticism or perceived slights
She's touchy about her weight, so avoid mentioning it.
She gets defensive when people comment on her weight.
The boss is touchy about punctuality—don't be late.
The boss reacts negatively to tardiness.
Often implies irritability or defensiveness over minor issues.
requiring careful handling due to sensitivity
This is a touchy situation that needs diplomacy.
The matter requires sensitive handling.
Used in contexts like negotiations or delicate conversations.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing
Reserve 'touchy' for situations involving genuine sensitivity. Overuse can make speech sound dramatic or exaggerated.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'touchy' for emotional sensitivity, not physical touch. For physical touch, use 'sensitive' or 'tender' (e.g., 'a touchy subject' vs. 'a touchy wound').
Word Origin
From 'touch' + '-y' (suffix meaning 'having the quality of'). First recorded in the early 19th century as 'easily touched or moved emotionally,' evolving to imply irritability by the late 19th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in informal contexts. Avoid in formal writing unless quoting speech. Often paired with 'about' (e.g., 'touchy about criticism').