What is sore?
It sounds like a filler word, but sore is actually an adjective and has a number of meanings. It sounds almost the same as umthe equivalent of “erm” in English, but the two words are distinct.
The general meaning of sore is something that is sensitive, but there are several ways it can be used as we’ll see below.
Its origins are thought to be from an Old Norse word meaning “poor” or “unhappy”, but this is uncertain according to the dictionary.
Why do I need to know sore?
You can say something is sore if it is physically sore, making it sensitive to the touch or painful. In this context you might see it used in medical descriptions: the skin may become red, swollen and tender means “the skin can become red, swollen and sore”.
There is also a figurative meaning to this, similar to the figurative “sore spot” or “sensitive spot” in English. Here, the “sore spot” could cause problems if “touched”, meaning spoken about, and the implicit message is that despite it being a sore spot it’s best to deal with it. Here’s an example:
I said he should take it up with the employer, even though it’s probably a sore point.
”I said hes hould bring it up with his employer even though it’s probably a sensitive topic”.
A person can also be described as sore if they are sensitive or even sensual. This can also apply to a song or poem with very romantic themes.
This number is quite tender. Don’t want to put anything else on?
”This song is so emotional. Can you put something else on?”
Finally, sore can mean “sensitive” about a person but with negative connotations, meaning they are easily offended or are touchy about a certain subject.
Finally, don’t mention that he’s going bald. He is very sore about his hair.
”Please don’t mention that he’s going bald. He’s very touchy about his hair.”