touchy crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "touchy crossword clue" and looking for answers, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "touchy crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TESTY: Prone to anger; easily annoyed or irritated; quick to take offense.
7 Letters
PRICKLY: Easily annoyed or upset; having a difficult or irritable nature.
8 Letters
DELICATE: Requiring careful handling; easily damaged or upset, often referring to a sensitive situation or subject.
9 Letters
SENSITIVE: Easily affected by external influences; quick to feel or perceive. Can also mean easily offended or hurt.
More About "touchy crossword clue"
"Touchy" is a classic crossword clue that can point to a range of meanings, making it a versatile and sometimes challenging entry. At its core, "touchy" often refers to a disposition—someone who is easily offended, irritable, or quick to anger. This leads to common answers like TESTY, PRICKLY, or PEEVISH. However, the clue can also refer to something that requires delicate handling, such as a "touchy subject" or a "touchy situation," which might lead to answers like DELICATE or SENSITIVE. Understanding the nuances of the word in context is crucial for selecting the correct answer.
Crossword setters love "touchy" because of its dual nature. It can be a straightforward synonym clue for irritability, or it can be a more subtle hint towards a sensitive matter. Always consider the number of letters required and any surrounding completed letters in your grid. This will help narrow down the possibilities and guide you towards the most fitting synonym. Sometimes, the clue might even play on a literal sense of touch, though this is less common for "touchy" itself than for related words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Emotion: For "touchy," think about words related to anger, irritation, or being easily upset. Common answers often revolve around these emotional states.
- Think of "Subjects": Don't forget the meaning of "touchy" as in a "touchy subject." This opens up answers related to sensitivity or requiring careful handling, like DELICATE.
- Count Letters Carefully: The exact letter count is your most important guide. Even if you have a perfect synonym in mind, if the letter count doesn't match, it's not the answer.
- Look for Patterns: Some "touchy" answers end in -Y (TESTY, CRANKY), which can be a useful pattern to spot if you have a partial answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "touchy" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "touchy" often points to words describing someone easily offended or angered (like TESTY, SENSITIVE, PRICKLY), or a delicate, sensitive subject (like DELICATE, TICKLISH). The context of the surrounding letters is key to determining the exact meaning.
How can I differentiate between synonyms for "touchy" in a clue?
Pay attention to the letter count provided and any other words in the clue that might hint at a specific nuance. For example, if the clue implies physical sensitivity, "SENSITIVE" might fit. If it implies irritability, "TESTY" or "PEEVISH" could be better. Also, consider the puzzle's theme or the setter's style if you're familiar with them.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "touchy" answers?
While not specific prefixes/suffixes, words related to "touchy" often end in -Y (e.g., TESTY, CRANKY, GRUMPY) or -BLE/-BLE (e.g., IRRITABLE, VULNERABLE). This isn't a hard rule, but it can be a pattern to watch for if you have a partial answer.