touchy point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touchy point" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used informally to refer to a sensitive or controversial topic, but it is not widely recognized. Example: "The discussion about salary increases can be a touchy point among employees."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Which raises a touchy point.

The New Yorker

Another touchy point — that the bill currently does not include same-sex couples for family unity consideration — came up during the testimony of Jim Kolbe, a former Republican congressman from Arizona who is gay and who endured a yearlong separation from his partner, a Panamanian immigrant, when the man's work visa expired.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When you buy the property, the person selling the cabin knows an awful lot about the touchy points where you dare not forget something," Mr. Grooms said.

The New York Times - Travel

"It captured people's imaginations because there are so many touchy points – were the parents at fault, were the zoo at fault, should the gorilla have been shot?" asked Dignan.

Vice

At this point, "Touchy Feely" becomes disoriented and doesn't recover its direction.

The New York Times

Shelton's new movie, Touchy Feely, marks a low point, barely registering a ripple.

The Guardian - Film

He was also abrasive, tempestuous, candid to the point of obnoxiousness, touchy about his place in history, paranoid and unstatesmanlike.

The New York Times - Books

Some cycling campaigners get very touchy when such inconvenient truths are pointed out.

The Guardian

Where are we getting points?" The day's other touchy topic was Coughlin's decision last week to practice in the warmth of the team's inflated bubble.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Rocks is the state census director and, therefore, a little touchy on this subject, but he has a point.

The New York Times

It's a touchy subject, particularly because, from the restaurant's point of view, it's all for the consumer's benefit.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing sensitive subjects, opt for more conventional phrases like "sensitive issue" or "delicate matter" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "touchy point" in formal or academic writing. It's often perceived as informal and can undermine the seriousness of your argument. Stick to more established terms like "sensitive issue" or "delicate topic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touchy point" acts as a nominal phrase, where "touchy" modifies "point". Although Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is not standard, it attempts to identify a specific sensitive aspect within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touchy point" refers to a sensitive or controversial topic. Although understandable, Ludwig AI points out that it is not considered standard English and has limited usage, primarily appearing in news media. Due to its informal nature, it's advisable to use more established and formal alternatives like "sensitive issue" or "delicate matter", especially in academic or professional contexts. Using clearer and more conventional phrases will help ensure that your message is accurately and effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive issue

Focuses on the delicate nature of the topic itself, rather than its being a specific point.

delicate matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling of the subject.

contentious topic

Highlights the likelihood of disagreement or argument.

awkward subject

Suggests the topic is uncomfortable or embarrassing to discuss.

problematic aspect

Focuses on the troublesomeness inherent in a specific element of a larger issue.

thorny question

Implies the issue is complex and difficult to resolve.

sensitive area

Indicates a zone of discussion where caution is advised.

difficult subject

Highlights the challenge in discussing the topic.

hot-button issue

Emphasizes that the topic is currently very popular and is emotionally charged.

uncomfortable truth

Stresses the unpleasantness or difficulty in accepting the fact.

FAQs

What does "touchy point" mean?

The phrase "touchy point" informally refers to a sensitive or controversial topic. However, it's not standard English. Consider using more common alternatives.

What can I say instead of "touchy point"?

You can use alternatives like "sensitive issue", "delicate matter", or "contentious topic" depending on the context.

Is "touchy point" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "touchy point" is not considered standard English. It's better to use more established phrases in formal writing.

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

While not recommended for formal contexts, you might use it informally, such as: "The discussion about salary increases can be a touchy point among employees". In formal contexts consider alternatives such as: "The matter of salary increase is a "sensitive issue"".