For all those who like to talk tough and throw shade at others, the ability to take what you dish out is pivotal.
Unfortunately, many fail this core test of character by crumbling at the first sign of receiving the same treatment they so eagerly dole out.
They proclaim themselves as comedians but can’t stomach being the butt of a joke. For these lacking souls, here are 15 words that best capture their contradictory nature of giving criticism but being unable to accept it in return.
15 Words for Someone Who Can Dish It Out but Can’t Take It
- Thin-skinned
- Hypersensitive
- Tenderhearted
- Easily wounded
- Overreactive
- Touchy
- Defensive
- Vulnerable
- Prickly
- Snowflake
- Hypocrite
- Brittle temperament
- Fragile Personality
- Glass Jaw
- Lopsided Critic
1. Thin-skinned
When someone is described as ‘thin-skinned,’ it means that they are highly sensitive and easily offended by criticism or negative feedback.
This term is suitable for someone who can dish out criticism or make sarcastic remarks but becomes defensive or hurt when they receive similar treatment in return.
Such individuals tend to take things personally, often lacking the ability to handle criticism in a constructively someone as thin-skinned, we highlight their inability to handle the same level of criticism that they freely distribute to others.
2. Hypersensitive
Hypersensitivity is another term that aptly describes someone who can dish it out but can’t take it. This word emphasizes the heightened sensitivity and vulnerability of individuals who may react disproportionately to any perceived criticism or negative remarks.
While they may freely express their own opinions, they struggle to tolerate even the mildest form of feedback or counterarguments, often becoming defensive or emotional.
By using the term ‘hypersensitive,’ we emphasize their sensitivity while pointing out the discrepancy between their behavior and their inability to handle reciprocal remarks.
3. Tenderhearted
‘Tenderhearted’ is a term that refers to individuals who are compassionate and empathetic towards others but struggle to handle criticism or harsh words directed towards them.
These individuals often display kindness and understanding, readily offering support and empathy to those around them.
However, when it comes to receiving criticism or facing challenging situations, they may become emotionally overwhelmed or hurt.
This word highlights the contradiction between their kind-hearted nature and their difficulty in handling similar treatment themselves, thus identifying them as someone who can dish it out but can’t take it.
4. Easily wounded
‘Easily wounded’ is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates individuals who are sensitive and prone to emotional hurt.
These individuals may frequently engage in critical or confrontational behavior, readily expressing their opinions or making snide remarks toward others.
However, when confronted with even the slightest form of criticism or pushback, they become deeply wounded and may react defensively or withdraw emotionally.
Describing someone as easily wounded highlights their fragility and inability to handle the same level of remarks or criticism they dish out to others.
5. Overreactive
Calling someone overreactive is suitable when they tend to blow things out of proportion or respond disproportionately to minor or insignificant incidents.
Such individuals often exhibit a pattern of exaggerated emotional reactions that go beyond what is reasonable or expected in a given situation.
When it comes to dishing out criticism, they may freely express their opinions with intensity and fervor. However, when faced with criticism or feedback themselves, they become hypersensitive and react defensively, often taking offense or becoming excessively emotional.
Their inability to handle criticism in a composed manner demonstrates their inability to take it, despite their readiness to dish it out.
6. Touchy
The term ‘touchy’ is an apt descriptor for someone who is highly sensitive and easily offended. These individuals usually react strongly or emotionally to even the slightest perceived slight or criticism.
When they are the ones initiating criticism or engaging in banter, they may do so without hesitation or consideration for others’ feelings.
However, when the tables are turned, they become defensive, agitated, or even confrontational. Their inability to handle criticism or playful teasing indicates that they can dish it out but can’t take it.
7. Defensive
Describing someone as defensive captures their tendency to protect themselves or their ego when confronted with criticism or opposing viewpoints.
These individuals often engage in arguments or heated debates, asserting their opinions and challenging others without hesitation.
However, the moment they face criticism or disagreement, they become defensive, deflecting blame or becoming overly sensitive.
They may resort to justifying their actions or making excuses rather than accepting responsibility or considering alternative perspectives.
Their defensiveness reveals their inability to handle criticism or accept that their viewpoints may be challenged, highlighting their one-sided ability to dish it out but not take it.
8. Vulnerable
Using the term vulnerable to describe someone who can dish it out but can’t take it points to their difficulty in handling emotional exposure or being open to criticism.
These individuals may freely express their opinions with confidence and assertiveness, often engaging in witty banter or playful teasing.
However, when faced with criticism or feedback, they become uncomfortable and defensive, guarding themselves from potential emotional harm.
Their vulnerability lies in their inability to handle criticism or accept their imperfections, despite their readiness to point out flaws in others.
9. Prickly
When it comes to describing someone who can dish it out but can’t take it, the word ‘prickly’ is a fitting choice. This term describes the notion of someone who is quick to criticize or make snide remarks toward others but becomes extremely defensive or sensitive when confronted with any form of criticism.
Just like the spines on a cactus, these individuals may appear tough on the outside, but their reactions to even the slightest pushback reveal their fragility.
They may engage in verbal jabs and sarcasm, often aimed at others’ shortcomings, yet recoil when faced with similar comments directed towards them.
Their prickly nature stems from an inability to handle criticism or accept their flaws, resulting in a defensive and overly sensitive demeanor.
10. Snowflake
The term ‘snowflake’ has gained popularity in recent years as a way to describe individuals who can dish out criticisms or opinions freely but crumble under the weight of any opposing viewpoints.
This word characterizes someone who perceives themselves as unique or special, often believing that their own experiences and perspectives are more significant than others.
However, when faced with differing opinions or any form of challenge, they may become easily offended or emotionally overwhelmed.
Just as a snowflake melts under even the slightest heat, these individuals struggle to handle any form of discomfort or dissenting ideas, opting instead for avoidance or lashing out.
The term ‘snowflake’ emphasizes their fragility and inability to withstand opposing viewpoints or criticism.
11. Hypocrite
When discussing someone who can dish it out but can’t take it, the term ‘hypocrite’ is particularly apt. This word highlights the double standards and inconsistency displayed by individuals who freely criticize others but become defensive or indignant when subjected to the same treatment themselves.
Hypocrites often hold others to high moral or behavioral standards while conveniently exempting themselves from those expectations.
They may readily point out flaws or mistakes in others, but when their actions are scrutinized or questioned, they deflect or deny responsibility.
The term ‘hypocrite’ underscores their lack of self-awareness and their inability to handle the same treatment they readily dish out to others.
12. Brittle temperament
The phrase ‘brittle temperament’ perfectly captures the essence of someone who can dish it out but can’t take it. It refers to an individual with a fragile and easily shattered emotional state when confronted with criticism or adverse situations.
Such individuals are quick to engage in confrontational or argumentative behavior, readily engaging in verbal sparring or criticism towards others.
However, when faced with even the mildest form of pushback or criticism themselves, their emotional composure crumbles, and they become defensive or hostile.
The term ‘brittle temperament’ emphasizes their emotional fragility and their inability to handle any form of scrutiny or feedback without reacting negatively.
13. Fragile Personality
When referring to someone as having a “fragile personality,” we are describing an individual who is easily overwhelmed or affected by criticism or negative feedback.
This term is suitable for someone who can dish out criticism or engage in arguments but quickly becomes defensive or hurt when faced with the same treatment.
Such individuals often struggle to handle confrontations or differing opinions, often resorting to emotional reactions rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.
A person with a fragile personality tends to take things personally, perceiving any form of criticism as a personal attack.
14. Glass Jaw
The term “glass jaw” is commonly used in combat sports to describe someone who is easily knocked down or defeated with a single punch.
However, in the context of someone who can dish it out but can’t take it, the term takes on a metaphorical meaning.
This term is suitable for individuals who are quick to criticize or mock others but become extremely sensitive and defensive when faced with any form of criticism themselves.
A person with a metaphorical glass jaw tends to be overly confident in their ability to critique others and may even belittle or mock them.
15. Lopsided Critic
Referring to someone as a ‘lopsided critic’ implies that they have a tendency to criticize others but cannot handle criticism themselves. This term highlights the individual’s lack of objectivity and fairness when it comes to evaluating others’ actions or behavior.
They may readily point out flaws, mistakes, or shortcomings in others but become defensive or dismissive when faced with criticism directed toward them.
A lopsided critic often showcases a double standard in their approach to criticism. They may feel entitled to express their opinions freely but become resistant or hostile when others offer their perspectives.
This behavior can create an imbalanced dynamic in relationships or group settings, as the lopsided critic will not be open to constructive feedback or willing to engage in healthy dialogue.
Final Thoughts
The phrase ‘can dish it out but can’t take it’ is a common idiom used to describe someone who can give criticism or punishment but cannot handle it when it is directed towards them.
This phenomenon is all too familiar in our daily lives, and it’s important to recognize and address it when we encounter it.
The 15 words and phrases discussed in this article are just a few examples of how people may exhibit this behavior.
From ‘hypocrite,’ to ‘snowflake,’ these words paint a picture of someone who is quick to dish out criticism or punishment but slow to receive it themselves.
In conclusion, being able to dish it out but not take it is a common problem that we all encounter at some point in our lives.
By being aware of this behavior, calling it out when we see it, and making an effort to communicate effectively, we can create a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.
Remember, effective communication is a two-way street, and it’s important to be able to give and take constructive criticism with grace and humility.
