thick skin
Insult-proof composure
Thick skin is the ability to withstand criticism, insults, or rejection without becoming upset.
Someone with thick skin doesn't take offense easily: You need thick skin to survive in politics.
The metaphor treats emotional resilience as physical armor.
The opposite is thin skin, meaning easily hurt or offended.
Cruelly insensitive to others
- callousedThickened from wear
- leatheryResembling animal hide
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- toughenedMade more durable
rough · coarse · keratinized · hide · pachyderm · rhinoceros · elephant · epidermis
Enduring courage under pain
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
hardiness · robustness · backbone · mettle · determination · steadfastness · bouncing back · recovery
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
- impassiveWithout visible emotion
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- level-headedCalm and sensible
even-keeled · cool-headed · sangfroid · equanimity · self-possessed · collected · steady · measured
Not disturbed or disconcerted
- unperturbedNot bothered or worried
- imperviousUnable to be affected
- bulletproofResistant to gunfire
- water off a duck's backCriticism having no effect
brushing off · shrugging off · undeterred · unbothered · immune · resistant · deflecting · unaffected
Cruelly insensitive to others
- unfeelingWithout compassion or emotion
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- coldLow temperature state
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
unsympathetic · oblivious · numb · insensate · hardhearted · apathetic · uncaring · dismissive
callous
Cruelly insensitive to others
toughened · rough · coarse · keratinized · hide · pachyderm · rhinoceros · elephant · epidermis · dermis
fortitude
Enduring courage under pain
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
toughness · hardiness · robustness · backbone · mettle · determination · steadfastness · bouncing back · recovery · persistence
stoic
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
- impassiveWithout visible emotion
- unflappableImpossible to disturb
- composedCalm and self-possessed
level-headed · even-keeled · cool-headed · sangfroid · equanimity · self-possessed · collected · steady · measured · controlled
unfazed
Not disturbed or disconcerted
- unperturbedNot bothered or worried
- imperviousUnable to be affected
- bulletproofResistant to gunfire
water off a duck's back · brushing off · shrugging off · undeterred · unbothered · immune · resistant · deflecting · unaffected · haters
callous
Cruelly insensitive to others
indifferent · unsympathetic · oblivious · numb · insensate · hardhearted · apathetic · uncaring · dismissive · tone-deaf
- desert survivalwater conservation, water storage, water retention, heat tolerance, drought tolerance
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
- animal traitsfur, tail, claws, teeth, wings
- insensitivitycallousness, cold-heartedness, hard-heartedness, heartlessness, inconsideration
- survival adaptationsmimicry, camouflage, hibernation, venom, poison
- survival traitscamouflage, stamina, endurance, resilience, adaptability
thick skinthin skin
hypersensitivity · sensitivity · oversensitivity · touchiness · fragility
thick skinthin skin
sensitivity · empathy · impressionability · tenderness · soft-heartedness
thick, thicken, thickness, thickening, thickens, thick-skinned, thicknesses