In Southern and Appalachian speech, "wound up" means irritated, worked up, or agitated with fussing energy. It’s used when someone is already upset and close to scolding or letting off steam.
synonyms: worked up, upset, irritated, agitated, keyed up
Hillbilly Dude Says...
"Don’t tell Momma he left his bicycle in the rain-she’s already wound up about the tricycle."
Hillbilly Dude Says...
"Don’t tell Momma he left his bicycle in the rain-she’s already wound up about the tricycle."
Pronunciation
[WOUND UP] /waʊnd ʌp/
Meaning & Usage
- Irritated, worked up (adjective)
At home
Clara:
Don’t get your daddy started.
Elmer:
Too late-he’s already wound up about the truck.
variations: wound-up
Origin and Etymology
From the image of a spring that’s been wound too tightly. The figurative use is widespread in English, but in Southern and Appalachian speech it carries a stronger sense of irritation and fussing rather than simple nervousness or excitement.
Usage Notes
Outside the South, wound up often means "excited" or "nervous." In the South/Appalachia, it more often means "irritated" or "worked up."
Frequently used in family contexts about parents or kinfolk being upset.
Closely related to keyed up, but with more of a fussing/irritated edge.
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
"Don’t tell Momma he left his bicycle in the rain-she’s already wound up about the tricycle." 
