Characterized by anger or hysteria; usually used in the phrase 'hissy fit' to mean a sudden outburst of anger or distress.
From 'hiss' (the sound a snake makes), likely from onomatopoeia. The word 'hissy' developed in American English, with 'hissy fit' becoming common in the 19th and 20th centuries.
A 'hissy fit' compares an angry outburst to a snake's defensive hiss—it's such a vivid image that captures how anger makes people swell up and hiss like a threatened animal! The metaphor sticks because it works.
From 'hissing'—historically gendered feminine (Victorian 'hysterical' women); reinforces dismissal of women's anger as noise rather than valid response.
Describe behaviors neutrally; avoid 'hissy fit' as gendered slur for emotional expression.
["outburst","tantrum","loss of composure"]
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