"That's a great deal to make one word mean," Alice said in a thoughtful tone. "When I make a word do a lot of work like that," said Humpty Dumpty, "I always pay it extra."

Monday, 15 February 2010

Hissy fit

 
Hissy fit is an extraordinarily annoying term used to describe a temper tantrum. (That was someone else's definition but I happen to agree! - Sorry GB but you did ask!!!)

A sudden outburst of temper, often used to describe female anger at something trivial. Originally regional from American South. Thought to originate from contraction of "hysterical fit."
 
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2 comments:

  1. Yes, still in common usage here in the American South. Glad to see us given some mention - derivationally! We are rich in colorful adages and colloquial language.

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  2. Thanks for that information. I actually find it a rather useful phrase and don't find it in the least bit annoying.

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