hissy fit
A loud little tantrum. Way more fuss than the problem deserves.
Also called hissy, pitch a hissy fit.
Updated September 24, 2026
hissy fit pronunciation
/HISS-ee fit/
Meaning
A hissy fit is an angry outburst that looks bigger than the slight that set it off. Kids throw them. Grown folks do too, which is half the joke when somebody says it. You pitch a hissy fit, throw one, or just have a hissy. The point is the show of being worked up.
How folks use it
- “Don't pitch a hissy fit just because supper's late.”
- “He threw a hissy fit when they moved his deer stand.”
Origin and etymology
Southern and South Midland slang. American Speech noted hissy in the 1930s for getting very angry. Hissy fit followed. Origin is murky. Many folks tie hissy to hysterical, and the hissing sound helps the word stick. DARE records it across the South.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults have a hissy fit?
Yes. Calling it that usually means you think they are overdoing it.