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
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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- touchier
- Superlative
- touchiest
Fill the gap
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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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for touchy
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.
