General
hissy fit
What does hissy fit mean?
An angry, over-the-top emotional display; a grown-up temper tantrum. Southerners traditionally "pitch" or "throw" one.
"Mama pitched a hissy fit when she saw the muddy floor."
Origin
American Southern slang, first half of the 1900s; likely a shortening of "hysterical" fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hissy fit?
A hissy fit is a dramatic, over-the-top tantrum or outburst of temper, essentially a grown-up version of a temper tantrum.
How do you use hissy fit?
Southerners traditionally 'pitch' or 'throw' a hissy fit, as in 'she pitched a hissy fit over the mess.'
Where does hissy fit come from?
It's American Southern slang from the first half of the 1900s, likely a shortening of 'hysterical' fit.
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