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Hairy Conniption

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "hairy conniption" is a colorful way of saying someone had an especially wild outburst or tantrum - a souped-up version of a "conniption fit."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
I don't use 'hairy conniption,' but I've heard it all my life. It's always seemed a little gross. 

Pronunciation

[HAIR-ee kuh-NIP-shun]

Meaning & Usage

- A very intense outburst or tantrum (folk exaggeration)

Mae:
Did she really get that mad?
Earl:
Lord yes - she had a full-blown hairy conniption.
variations: conniption, conniption fit
★ "Hairy" in Southern/Appalachian speech can mean "wild," "serious," or "intense." Adding it to "conniption" turns a regular fit into a big, memorable blow-up. ★

Origin

"Conniption" dates to early 19th-century American English. "Hairy" as an intensifier appears in the Dictionary of American Regional English and has long been used in the South to mean "wild" or "serious." Combining them creates a natural Southern exaggeration.

Notes

Still heard in playful or humorous speech, especially among older Southerners and storytellers. Outside the South, people may recognize "conniption" but find "hairy conniption" novel or especially folksy.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it with extra punch: "hairy conniption." "Hairy" adds emphasis, making the conniption sound wilder or more dramatic.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "hairy conniption" different from "conniption fit"?
It’s an exaggerated form - a conniption made bigger, louder, or more memorable.
Is it a long-standing Southern saying?
The parts are old ("conniption" and "hairy" as intensifier), but the combo is more playful and recent.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - mostly in humorous or storytelling contexts to emphasize the intensity of an outburst.
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