touchy

Definition

Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.

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.

Example Sentences

• "It is an extremely touchy situation, with everybody's patience wearing thin."
• "He can be very touchy when you talk about his cat, so be as tactful as possible."
• "Ashley: Look at the size of that ship! Kaidan: The Ascension. Flagship of the Citadel fleet. Joker: Well, size isn't everything. Ashley: Why so touchy, Joker? Joker: I'm just saying you need firepower, too."