high-strung

the compound 'high-strung' originates from the world of musical instruments, particularly stringed ones like violins or pianos. a string that is tightened to a high pitch produces a sharper, more tense, and responsive sound. by the early 19th century, this literal descriptor was applied metaphorically to people, comparing their nervous sensitivity and easily triggered emotional state to the high tension and reactivity of a tightly tuned string. thus, the modern abstract meaning evolved from a concrete physical analogy.

Structure: high + strung high (old english, meaning 'elevated, lofty'); strung (past participle of 'string', from old english, meaning 'to fit with a string or cord')