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# a bit touched

phrase (adjective phrase: a bit touched, touched)

«a bit touched» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, old-fashioned) slightly mad or odd in the head.
2. (literal, different sense) moved by kindness, feeling grateful and emotional: I was a bit touched by her card.

### In the lessons

An old, mostly UK and Irish way to say someone is not quite right in the mind, often half-joking or pitying; in gossip and stories. The kind sense («touched» = moved) is much more common today and is the one to expect.

### Examples

- Old Mrs Hart is a bit touched, she talks to her roses.
- Folk in the village said he was a bit touched after the war.
- I was a bit touched when the class made me a card.
- Thank you — I'm really touched.
- In the story the miller's son was thought a bit touched, but he was the wisest of them all.
- Gossip: «Don't mind him, he's a bit touched.»

### Note

Two very different senses: «touched» about feelings (moved, grateful) is polite and common; «a bit touched (in the head)» means mad and is unkind. Context decides: «touched by your gift» is the kind one. Mental illness should be named plainly and kindly, not with this phrase.