adjective

touchy

TUHCH-ee/ˈtʌtʃi/

Readily provoked into an adverse reaction.

My touchy colleague reacts defensively when I gently suggest a change.

Easily offended colleague reacts defensively to gentle suggestion.

Etymology

Touchy may be an alteration of tetchy, “easily irritated,” influenced by touch. That possible influence fits touch’s figurative sense “hurt someone’s feelings,” but the origin remains uncertain.

In context

LBC4:40

very touchy, very annoyed to be asked about the Harborne donation.

Is Farage's time up as Reform leader? | LBC

More examples

He's touchy about his age, so please don't joke about it.
Money is a touchy subject in our family.
She gets touchier when she hasn't had enough sleep.

Forms

touchy · touchier · touchiest

touchiness noun — A tendency to become upset or offended.

Similar words

sensitive: Often suggests vulnerability to hurt rather than quick annoyance.
irritable: Emphasizes easy annoyance rather than feeling personally offended.
delicate: Describes situations requiring care, not people easily offended.