A thin skin

noun phrase

Being overly sensitive to criticism or insults.

He can't handle negative comments about his work, he's got such a thin skin.
Visual representation of "a thin skin" - Being overly sensitive to criticism or insults

Often appears as...

  • have a thin skin
  • develop a thin skin

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

noun phrase

A membrane or layer that is physically thin.

The fruit has a thin skin which can be peeled very easily.
Visual representation of "a thin skin" - A membrane or layer that is physically thin

Often appears as...

  • peel a thin skin
  • break a thin skin

Usage tips

Technical

noun phrase

Being overly sensitive to criticism or insults.

He can't handle negative comments about his work, he's got such a thin skin.
Visual representation of "a thin skin" - Being overly sensitive to criticism or insults

Often appears as...

  • have a thin skin
  • develop a thin skin

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

noun phrase

A membrane or layer that is physically thin.

The fruit has a thin skin which can be peeled very easily.
Visual representation of "a thin skin" - A membrane or layer that is physically thin

Often appears as...

  • peel a thin skin
  • break a thin skin

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a thin skin"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Tone

Expresses an emotional vulnerability towards negative feedback or ridicule.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
After the performance, despite the applause, she felt rather exposed with a thin skin.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Not about the physical body, but describes emotional sensitivity.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite his size, the wrestler had a pretty thin skin when it came to jokes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Awareness

Might be seen as a weakness in cultures that value stoicism or 'thick skin'.

Illustration for Cultural Awareness
At the international conference, his thin skin was not well received.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Tone

Expresses an emotional vulnerability towards negative feedback or ridicule.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
After the performance, despite the applause, she felt rather exposed with a thin skin.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Not about the physical body, but describes emotional sensitivity.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite his size, the wrestler had a pretty thin skin when it came to jokes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Awareness

Might be seen as a weakness in cultures that value stoicism or 'thick skin'.

Illustration for Cultural Awareness
At the international conference, his thin skin was not well received.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Tone

Expresses an emotional vulnerability towards negative feedback or ridicule.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
After the performance, despite the applause, she felt rather exposed with a thin skin.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Not about the physical body, but describes emotional sensitivity.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite his size, the wrestler had a pretty thin skin when it came to jokes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Awareness

Might be seen as a weakness in cultures that value stoicism or 'thick skin'.

Illustration for Cultural Awareness
At the international conference, his thin skin was not well received.
Visual representation of the word "A thin skin"

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