Fit to Be TiedIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "fit to be tied" means extremely angry, upset, or frustrated. It’s a colorful way of saying someone’s mad enough to burst. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #OldTimers #Southern #BodyandHealth Hillbilly Dude Says... Hillbilly Dude Says... Pronunciation[FIT tuh bee TAHYD] Meaning & Usage- Extremely angry or upset (verb phrase, figurative)
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★ "Fit to be tied" is usually exaggeration - folks say it when they’re frustrated or angry enough to fuss, not when they’re truly out of control. ★ Origin and EtymologyLikely from the idea of being so upset you’d need to be tied down to keep from lashing out. Recorded in American English since the 1800s, it became especially common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Usage NotesStill alive in Southern/Appalachian talk, especially among older speakers. Outside the region, it’s understood but often sounds old-fashioned or folksy. Related to sayings like mad as a hornet. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "fit t’ be tied." Quick and clipped: "fit t’be tied." | ...
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