/trig"euhr hap'ee/ , adj. Informal.
1. ready to fire a gun at the least provocation, regardless of the situation or probable consequences: a trigger-happy hunter.
2. heedless and foolhardy in matters of great importance and recklessly advocating action that can result in war: Some called him a trigger-happy candidate.
3. eager to point out the mistakes or shortcomings of others; aggressively or wantonly critical: He's a trigger-happy editor with a nervous blue pencil.
[ 1940-45 ]