adj
gunshy
Gunshy (adj) means Scared to fire or handle a gun.
adj
1
Scared to fire or handle a gun.
2
Made nervous by the noise of a gun going off.
"But very few dogs become gunshy if they are introduced to the bang while they are overcome with the delight of chasing game, particularly if the trainer begins with a light noise and works up to louder noises in easy stages"
— Paul Long, Training Pointing Dogs (2007)
3
Wary of doing something again after being told off for it before.
"After his last suggestion was laughed at by his colleagues, he was gunshy about making another suggestion."
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Etymology
Formed from gun and shy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of gunshy?
"gunshy" (adj) means scared to fire or handle a gun.
What are the different meanings of gunshy?
"gunshy" has 3 main meanings: 1. Scared to fire or handle a gun; 2. Made nervous by the noise of a gun going off; 3. Wary of doing something again after being told off for it before.
