noun
hellcat
HEHL-kat
Hellcat (noun) means a fierce, spiteful, or violently bad-tempered person, historically used especially of women. Example: “Nobody wanted to argue with her — she was a real hellcat when provoked.”
noun
1
A fierce, spiteful, or violently bad-tempered person, historically used especially of women.
"Nobody wanted to argue with her — she was a real hellcat when provoked."
How to use hellcat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone with a nasty, violent temper.
When to use it
Old-fashioned and now rare; can sound sexist when applied specifically to women, so use carefully.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hellcats
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nobody wanted to argue with her — she was a real _____ when provoked.
Etymology
A compound of "hell" and "cat," originally used of a supposedly demonic or witch-like cat, later of a fiery-tempered person.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “hellcat” mean?
The word “hellcat” means a fierce, spiteful, or violently bad-tempered person, historically used especially of women. In plain terms, someone with a nasty, violent temper.
How do you pronounce “hellcat”?
“Hellcat” is pronounced HEHL-kat (/ˈhɛlˌkæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hellcat” in a sentence?
Here is “hellcat” used in a sentence: “Nobody wanted to argue with her — she was a real hellcat when provoked.”
What part of speech is “hellcat”?
“Hellcat” is a noun.
