ticklish
|tick-l-ish|
/ˈtɪklɪʃ/
sensitive or tricky
Etymology
'ticklish' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'tikelen,' where 'tikelen' meant 'to touch lightly.'
'tikelen' transformed into the modern English word 'ticklish' through gradual phonetic changes.
Initially, it meant 'to touch lightly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sensitive to tickling or tricky to handle.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
sensitive to being tickled; easily made to laugh or squirm by light touches.
She is very ticklish and can't stop laughing when tickled.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
difficult or tricky to handle; requiring careful or delicate treatment.
The negotiations were ticklish and required a lot of diplomacy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/22 07:37