Hissy Fit
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "hissy fit" means a sudden temper tantrum or outburst - often over something small. It’s a playful way to describe fussing or losing your cool.
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You can still hear 'hissy fit' in conversation these days, but I've never used it. Never liked the word 'hissy'. Don't even like typing it. You can still hear 'hissy fit' in conversation these days, but I've never used it. Never liked the word 'hissy'. Don't even like typing it. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Temper tantrum / angry outburst (noun phrase)
She didn’t get her way.And she throwed a hissy fit big as Dallas.Origin and Etymology
First recorded in the early 1900s, "hissy fit" combines "hissy" (acting like a hissing cat or snake) with "fit" (an outburst). It took root in Southern and Appalachian English and spread into broader American slang.
Usage Notes
Still common today in the South and Appalachia, often used by parents and grandparents. While people outside the region may know it, it’s strongest in rural and Southern storytelling.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it sharp: "HISS-ee fit." The "hissy" draws out like a snake’s hiss, making it sound as dramatic as the fit itself.