Which Filipino term describes a person who is easily offended?

• A. Balat-sibuyas
• B. Pasawikain
• C. Agaw-buhay
• D. Bugtong na anak

Answer: (A)

Balat-sibuyas is a phrase used to describe someone who is easily offended. It literally compares a person’s feelings to the skin of an onion—thin and prone to tears whenever someone says something touchy. When you say someone is balat-sibuyas, you’re saying they take comments to heart quickly and may react strongly to criticism or jokes.

The other terms don’t fit this idea. Pasawikain refers to someone who uses or loves idioms and proverbs, not to sensitivity of the feelings. Agaw-buhay means risking one’s life or something extreme and dramatic, not about being easily hurt emotionally. Bugtong na anak describes a difficult, enigmatic, or hard-to-handle child, again not about being easily offended.

So, balat-sibuyas best captures the concept of being quick to take offense.