   Mad as a HornetIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "mad as a hornet" means extremely angry, stirred up, or ready to fight. It’s a vivid comparison to how mean hornets get when disturbed. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #People&Relationships #Southern Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Mad as a hornet' is something I heard often around here. And I've been chased by one - they get really mad. Pronunciation[MAD az uh HOR-nit] Meaning & Usage- Extremely angry or stirred up (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
What happened when the fence broke?
Earl:
Neighbor was mad as a hornet about them cows gettin’ loose.other spellings: mad as a wet hen, mad as all get out, spittin’ mad, burnin’ up, she was mad as a hornet when she heard, he’s mad as a hornet about that mess, and they got mad as hornets over the loss ★ Hornets are notorious for stingin’ quick and mean if you rile ’em. Comparing anger to hornets gives this saying extra bite in country talk. ★ OriginDrawn from the fierce reputation of hornets in the American South and Appalachia. The phrase has been in use since at least the 1800s, often alongside other animal comparisons like "mad as a wet hen." NotesStill common in Southern and Appalachian speech. Outsiders understand it, but it’s strongest in regions where hornets are part of everyday farm life. Closely related to sayings like fit to be tied. Say It Like a SouthernerSaid plain: "mad as a hor-net." Often slurred: "mad as a hornet." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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