adjective
touchy
TUHT-shee
adjective
1
Easily upset or offended; quick to take offense.
"He's a bit touchy about his height, so don't joke about it."
2
Requiring careful or tactful handling because it is sensitive or controversial.
"Salary is a touchy subject in most offices."
"Negotiations over the border remain a touchy issue."
How to Use Touchy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasily annoyed or offended, or (of a topic) sensitive and best approached carefully.
Common pairings
a touchy subject
touchy about
touchy situation
Word Forms
touchier comparative, touchiest superlative
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He's a bit _____ about his height, so don't joke about it.
Etymology
A variant of the older word tetchy ("easily irritated"), reshaped over time under the influence of touch.