touchy — easily upset or offended; oversensitive
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: easily upset or offended; oversensitive
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtʌtʃi/
Example Sentences
- Don't mention his cooking skills - he's really touchy about it after burning dinner last week.
- The boss was touchy all morning after spilling coffee on his white shirt.
- Money is always a touchy topic in their relationship.
touchy
ADJECTIVE[/ˈtʌtʃi/]
easily upset or offended; oversensitive
Bring up his haircut and he gets touchy — everyone else avoids the topic.
He gets touchy when they mention his clutchy plays
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the word 'touch' (from Old French 'touchier') combined with the suffix '-y' meaning 'characterized by' or 'having the quality of'. The root likely comes from Vulgar Latin 'toccare', possibly of imitative origin.
Breakdown
touch (to make contact with) + -y (adjective suffix meaning 'characterized by') = touchy (easily upset or sensitive to touch/offense)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Don't mention his cooking skills - he's really touchy about it after burning dinner last week.”
“The boss was touchy all morning after spilling coffee on his white shirt.”
“Money is always a touchy topic in their relationship.”
“She gets touchy whenever someone mentions her ex-boyfriend's name.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.