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Hissy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Hissy describes behavior that is angry, petulant, or overly dramatic, often involving loud complaints or tantrums. It is commonly used to describe someone acting in a childish or irritable manner.

hissy

/ˈhɪsi/ /ˈhɪsi/

Definition:

A petulant outburst or fit of anger, often involving loud complaining or tantrums.

Synonyms:

tantrum, fit, outburst, meltdown

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

calmness, composure

Common Collocations:

throw a hissy, hissy fit, have a hissy

Derivatives:

hissy fits, hissier (comparative), hissiest (superlative)

Usage Tips:

Use "hissy" informally to describe exaggerated anger, often in phrases like "throw a hissy." Avoid formal contexts.

Common Phrases:

throw a hissy fit, have a hissy, go into a hissy

Etymology:

Derived from "hiss," imitating the sound of anger or irritation, combined with "-y" to form an adjective/noun.

Examples:

  • 1. She threw a hissy when her phone died.
  • 2. The toddler had a hissy over the broken cookie.
  • 3. Don’t have a hissy just because you lost the game!
  • 4. His boss went into a hissy over the missed deadline.

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