touchy

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English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈtʌt͡ʃi/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adjective

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touchy (comparative touchier, superlative touchiest)

  1. (of a situation) Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.
    It is an extremely touchy situation, with everybody's patience wearing thin.
  2. (of a person) Easily offended, oversensitive.
    He can be very touchy when you talk about his cat, so be as tactful as possible.
  3. (informal) Inclined to engage in physical touch.
    Synonym: touchy-feely
    Antonym: untouchy

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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Anagrams

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