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."
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I don't use 'hairy conniption,' but I've heard it all my life. It's always seemed a little gross. I don't use 'hairy conniption,' but I've heard it all my life. It's always seemed a little gross. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- A very intense outburst or tantrum (folk exaggeration)
Did she really get that mad?Lord yes - she had a full-blown hairy conniption.Origin and Etymology
"Conniption" dates to early 19th-century American English. "Hairy" as an intensifier has long been used in the South to mean "wild" or "serious." Combining them creates a natural Southern-style exaggeration.
Usage 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.