touchy

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective quick to take offense
  2. adjective difficult to handle; requiring great tact

Etymology

A variant of earlier tetchy (“cranky, easily annoyed, difficult to handle”), under influence from some senses of touch (“affect, disturb”) and simulating touch + -y.

In classic literature

Synonyms

huffy, thin-skinned, feisty

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