The word touchyfeely is spelled using a combination of phonetic sounds that reflect its meaning. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is pronounced as /ˈtʌtʃiˌfiːli/. This spelling reflects the tactile and emotional nature of the word, which is often used to describe a person or situation that is overly sensitive or affectionate. The word combines the adjectives touchy and feely to create a compound word that emphasizes the physical and emotional aspects of human interaction.
Touchyfeely is an informal adjective that describes a person, action, or situation that is excessively emotional, sensitive, or inclined towards expressing emotions in a physical and tactile manner. The term combines the words “touchy” and “feely,” indicating a distinct emphasis on both emotional sensitivity and physical expression.
When applied to a person, touchyfeely suggests that they are easily affected by their emotions or take things personally. They may have heightened sensitivity to criticism or may be prone to displaying their emotions in an overtly demonstrative way, often through physical contact such as hugging or holding hands. This term can also be used to describe someone who actively seeks out emotional connection and physical contact.
Touchyfeely can also be used to describe actions or situations that involve exaggerated emotional expression and an inclination towards physicality. For instance, a touchyfeely lecture may involve a professor who engages in excessive personal anecdotes or displays a strong emphasis on emotional appeal rather than relying purely on factual information.
Overall, touchyfeely implies a tendency towards emotional sensitivity and physical expression, often suggesting a preference for having emotional connections through physical contact or through openly expressing emotions. However, it is important to note that the term is informal in nature and may carry a mildly negative connotation in some contexts.
The word "touchy-feely" is a compound word formed by combining the adjectives "touchy" and "feely". However, each of these words has its own separate etymology:
1. "Touchy": The word "touchy" is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "tuchie", which means "prickly" or "painful to touch". It can be traced back to the Old English word "toccian", meaning "to palpate" or "to stroke", which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "tukkōną". The sense of the word evolved over time to refer to someone who is easily offended or sensitive.
2. "Feely": The word "feely" is derived from the adjective "feel", which comes from the Old English word "fēlan", meaning "to touch" or "to sense by touch".