Touchy describes someone who gets upset, offended, or angry very easily, often over small things. If your friend is touchy about their haircut, even a gentle question about it might make them defensive or hurt. Someone who's touchy takes things personally when others don't mean any harm.

You might also hear people say someone is touchy about a particular subject. A student who struggled with spelling might be touchy about it, snapping at anyone who mentions it. A brother who lost the championship game might be touchy about sports for a while.

The word can also describe situations that require careful handling. A touchy situation is one where people might easily get upset, like trying to divide up chores fairly among siblings or bringing up a topic where friends disagree. When something is described as touchy, you need to approach it carefully and thoughtfully.

Being touchy is different from having strong feelings about something important. Everyone has sensitive spots, but when someone is constantly touchy, it becomes hard for others to talk naturally around them. The opposite of touchy is easygoing: someone who takes things in stride and doesn't get ruffled easily.