Thick skin is a common expression used to describe someone's ability to endure criticism or hardship without being greatly affected by it. The word 'thick' is pronounced /θɪk/ and 'skin' is pronounced /skɪn/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The 'th' sound in 'thick' is formed by placing the tongue between the teeth and blowing air through, while the 'sk' sound in 'skin' is formed by bringing the back of the tongue up to touch the soft palate. Together, the two words make up a phrase with a straightforward spelling that accurately portrays its meaning.
Thick skin is an idiomatic expression used to describe a person's ability to withstand criticism, taunts, insults, or negative remarks without becoming overly affected or hurt. The term is derived from the literal sense of having a thicker layer of skin, which offers additional protection to the body.
In a metaphorical sense, having thick skin refers to having emotional resilience and a strong sense of self-assurance that shields an individual from being deeply affected by others' words or actions. It implies the ability to remain composed, confident, and unperturbed in the face of adversity or harsh criticism.
A person with thick skin is often able to maintain a level-headed approach, focusing on rationality rather than allowing emotions to overpower their judgment. They have a high tolerance for discomfort, disagreement, or negativity directed towards them, enabling them to navigate challenges and conflicts without being unduly shaken.
Developing thick skin is often seen as a positive trait, as it allows individuals to handle stressful situations better, maintain healthy boundaries, and respond to criticism constructively rather than taking it personally. However, it is important to note that having thick skin does not mean being impervious to emotions; rather, it involves the ability to process those emotions in a way that does not hinder personal growth or relationships.
In summary, having thick skin refers to possessing emotional resilience and the ability to withstand criticism or negativity without being profoundly affected or losing confidence.
The term "thick skin" originated in the English language, and its etymology can be traced back to Old English and Middle English.
In Old English, the word "thicce" meant "dense" or "thick", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*thekkuz". This term was used to describe something that had a greater width or depth than usual.
The word "skin" has a similar origin, coming from the Old Norse word "skinn", which also meant "skin" in Old English and other Germanic languages. The Proto-Germanic word "*skinnam" is believed to be the root of this term.
The figurative usage of "thick skin" developed over time, particularly referring to emotions and personality traits. It came to represent someone who is emotionally resilient, not easily affected or offended by criticism or harsh words.