slightly touchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly touchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily offended or sensitive about a particular topic or situation. Example: "When discussing politics, be careful; he can be slightly touchy about his views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's also the slightly touchy subject of Anglicanorum Coetibus.

The Guardian - Opinion

From watching artists visualize data from the Egyptian revolution to slightly touchy memes emerging from the London riots and robot activists at Occupy Wall Street, dialing in to the revolution has been as easy as updating your Facebook or Twitter status.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We deliberately played up the drinking and the girlfriends and the slightly touchy-feely stuff, and then as time went on we introduced nudity".

Vice

One slightly annoying thing is that it autocenters images, making scrolling with a mouse wheel somewhat touchy, though when using a touchpad that actually comes in handy.

TechCrunch

The Swazi government has a slightly more touchy-feely approach than Kenya, where people who don't take their drugs properly are locked up for eight months.

Vice

One flaw is that in "Sport" driving mode, the throttle becomes a tad too touchy, making for slightly unsmooth going.

BBC

I realize that my comments may come off as slightly haughty and these types of issues can be touchy.

Huffington Post

Touchy, touchy.

The New York Times

So touchy.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a very touchy, touchy subject".

The New York Times

Pammy was touchy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as "slightly touchy", be mindful of the context. It is more appropriate in informal or neutral settings rather than formal evaluations.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly touchy" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "a bit sensitive" or "somewhat delicate" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly touchy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples found via Ludwig illustrate its use in describing subjects that require careful handling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly touchy" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something or someone that requires careful handling due to sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while the example sentences reveal its common use in news and media. Although not exceedingly frequent, it serves to indicate a gentle warning or caution when broaching a topic. When writing, bear in mind, you may consider using "a bit sensitive" or "somewhat delicate" as alternative based on the context. Overall, "slightly touchy" is a useful phrase to have in your vocabulary for navigating potentially sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit sensitive

Changes the intensifier from "slightly" to "a bit", offering a more casual tone.

somewhat delicate

Replaces "touchy" with "delicate", suggesting a situation needing careful handling.

rather sensitive

Uses "rather" instead of "slightly" for emphasis, keeping the core meaning intact.

somewhat sensitive

Uses "somewhat" instead of "slightly" to indicate a degree of sensitivity.

a little prickly

Replaces "touchy" with "prickly", implying a defensive or irritable nature.

easily offended

Shifts the focus to the potential reaction of the person or subject in question.

thin-skinned

Uses a metaphorical term to describe someone who is easily hurt by criticism.

sensitive to

Focuses on sensitivity towards a specific subject or issue.

easily upset

Highlights the potential emotional impact of certain topics or actions.

quick to take offense

Emphasizes the readiness of someone to feel insulted or aggrieved.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly touchy" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly touchy" to describe a subject that needs to be handled with care, as in, "Politics can be a "slightly touchy" subject at family gatherings".

What are some alternatives to "slightly touchy"?

Alternatives include "a bit sensitive", "somewhat delicate", or "rather sensitive". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "slightly touchy" formal or informal?

"Slightly touchy" leans towards informal but can be used in neutral contexts. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "somewhat sensitive" or "requiring careful consideration".

What does it mean when someone is described as "slightly touchy"?

It suggests that the person is easily offended or sensitive about certain topics. Approach such subjects with understanding and empathy.