thin-skinned

American  

[thin-skind] / ˈθɪnˈskɪnd /

adjective

1. having a thin skin.

2. sensitive to criticism, reproach, or rebuff; easily offended; touchy.

   a thin-skinned poet.

   Synonyms:

   susceptible, soft, squeamish

---

thin-skinned British  

adjective

1. sensitive to criticism or hints; easily upset or affected

---

Etymology

Origin of thin-skinned

First recorded in 1590–1600

Explanation

To be thin-skinned is to be sensitive, especially to criticism and slights. Thin-skinned people are quick to take offense. If your skin is literally thin, soft, and tender — like a baby's — than you're going to be hurt more easily if you get scraped or cut. Similarly, a thin-skinned person gets emotionally hurt more often than most people. If you're thin-skinned, you take criticism, rejection, disappointment, and failure very hard. Being left out of anything could be perceived as a major insult. If you forget a thin-skinned person's birthday, they’ll probably hold a grudge.

Example Sentences

Adcock and Bryan’s beef dates to July, when Adcock slammed Bryan for being thin-skinned and not doing a meet-and-greet appearance with fans after a show.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2025

Trump loves a win and he's very thin-skinned.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2025

Frum paints this tantrum as a "mistake," an impulsive admission by a thin-skinned bully who let his ego get the better of him.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2024

It comes across as a move by Musk to cater to thin-skinned users who can’t handle social blowback for indicating a belief.

From Slate • Jun. 12, 2024

Just like the night of the party, the ghost shrimp are gathered in their thin-skinned glory in the common area, Chancellor Nyla on a pedestal at the far end.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera