hissy fit
noun phrase

- a childish temper tantrum

Collins English Dictionary

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The phrase "hissy fit" is a colloquial expression that is often used to describe an emotional outburst or tantrum, typically characterized by anger, frustration, or annoyance. It is often used to imply that the person throwing the fit is overreacting or behaving in an exaggerated manner. While the exact origin of the phrase is not well-documented, it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the 1930s.

The term "hissy" in "hissy fit" may derive from the word "hiss", which is the sound made by a cat or a snake when it feels threatened or agitated.

"Fits" in this context refer to sudden and intense displays of emotion, often involving shouting, crying, or other dramatic gestures.

With adults, we use the phrase "hissy fit" to convey the idea that someone is throwing a fit or tantrum, much like a child might do.

Note the common use of the verb "throw" in connection with this phrase — "He threw a hissy fit when he saw the cost of the car repair."

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TODDLER TANTRUMS

Tantrums tend to peak around ages 2-3 and typically fade after age 4. This coincides with kids becoming more independent and testing limits, but still lacking emotional regulation skills.

The average toddler has 6 tantrums per week. They usually last between two and six minutes but can go on longer. Reasons for tantrums range from frustration, fatigue, wanting attention, or just exerting control. It's rarely about the thing the child is demanding in the moment. Lack of attention can curb the behaviour — ignoring tantrums is often more effective than engaging.

Endorphins released during a tantrum create a feeling of being out of control. Kids literally can't calm themselves down until their brain chemistry settles.

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SYNONYMS

a conniption, a cow, a breakdown, a bender, a blow-up, a fit of rage, a freak-out, a frenzy, A HISSY FIT, a meltdown, a rant, a rage, a rampage, a tantrum, a temper fit, a tirade, angry tirade, blowing a fuse (a gasket), blowing up (your top), creating a scene, emotional eruption (fireworks), flipping out (your lid, your wig), flying off the handle, freak-out, fuming, going ape (ballistic, bananas, berserk, cuckoo, haywire, into a frenzy, into a lather, going into a state, into hysterics, off the handle, off the rails, on a frenzy, on a rampage, postal, going wild), histrionics, hurling invective, kicking up a fuss, losing it (your cool, your marbles, your temper), making a fuss (a scene), outburst, raising a ruckus, ranting and raving, ranting, raging fit, steam coming out of ears, tantrum, temper tantrum, throwing a fit (a tantrum, a wobbly, toys out of the pram), venting spleen

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“HISSY FITS are a fact of life which most toddlers fortunately grow out of.”

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