Is there a word which actually means the common incorrect usage of the word "reactionary?"
People often use the word "reactionary" to mean: "quick to react or jump to conclusions based on scant evidence."
For example:
People who think that this athlete is over the hill based on a single poor performance are simply being reactionary.
Of course, the word "reactionary" does not actually mean this. But is there a word which does have this meaning and could be used instead?
The question comes with the tag, malapropism.
In also this sense, overreactive. Or, to liken the start of word, reactionary, to rash, and reckless.
Overreactive (adj): Too reactive; tending to overreact.
[Wordnik]
At WinEveryGame there is a narrowed definition of impetuous that fits, but I'll add the broader dictionary definitions they give:
Impetuous is an adjective which describes a person or a thing, usually an action or idea, as arriving at an outcome impulsively or without much critical thought.
........
impetuous [adjective]
Acting or deciding upon something with little to no forethought
Aggressive or instantaneous in nature
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Colloquially, they
shoot from the hip.
From Lexico [US Dictionary]:
shoot from the hip [phrase] [informal]
react suddenly or without careful consideration of one's words or actions.
- In the book he shoots from the hip and rides roughshod over reputations, holding a modicum of his once monumental power and relishing it.
- To some he is difficult to take seriously, and he may come across as the sort who shoots from the hip with little thought for the consequences.
- I know that she shoots from the hip and is liable to provoke righteous indignation.
- He doesn't shoot from the hip but takes a more considered approach and would rather explain to people why he holds the views he holds than intimidate them to his point of view.