adjective Uncommon

touchy

TUHT-shee

Touchy (adjective) means Easily upset or offended; quick to take offense. Example: “He's a bit touchy about his height, so don't joke about it.”

adjective

Easily upset or offended; quick to take offense.

"He's a bit touchy about his height, so don't joke about it."

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 notes

In 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.

Rhymes for touchy

duchy grouchy

See all rhymes for touchy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “touchy” mean?

The word “touchy” means easily upset or offended; quick to take offense. In plain terms, easily annoyed or offended, or (of a topic) sensitive and best approached carefully.

How do you pronounce “touchy”?

“Touchy” is pronounced TUHT-shee (/ˈtʌt͡ʃi/ in IPA).

How do you use “touchy” in a sentence?

Here is “touchy” used in a sentence: “He's a bit touchy about his height, so don't joke about it.”

What part of speech is “touchy”?

“Touchy” is an adjective.

Is “touchy” a common word?

“Touchy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “touchy” have?

“Touchy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: easily upset or offended; quick to take offense.