touchy

Everyday

1. A touchy person gets upset or annoyed very easily. tree →
2. A touchy subject is one that needs to be talked about carefully because it can upset people. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories, "touchy" describes someone in a bad mood or sensitive about something, which tells the reader to be careful around them. In adult life, money, religion or someone's weight can be touchy subjects. Phrases: "touchy about", "a touchy subject", "touchy-feely" (informal: showing feelings a lot).

Examples

• Dad is a bit touchy about his bald patch. tree →
• Be careful — Mia is touchy today because she lost the match. tree →
• Money is a touchy subject in our house. tree →
• Why are you so touchy? I was only joking! tree →
• The cat is touchy and scratches if you stroke its tummy. tree →
• (informal) Our new teacher is very touchy-feely and hugs everyone. tree →
• "Well, then, why do you lie in my way?" she retorted, "you must not be so touchy. tree →

Note

Comparative: touchier, touchiest. It is informal; more formal words are "sensitive" or "irritable". "Touchy" does not mean "likes touching"; that is "touchy-feely" (informal).