Getting One’s Dander Up 🤬
Definition: To make someone very angry.
Origin and Etymology:
The origin of this term is disputed. Most likely, “dander” comes from the Dutch “donder,” for “thunder,” but there are numerous other theories. The earliest reference in print dates from 1830, in Seba Smith’s Letters of Major Jack Downing: “When a Quaker gets his dander up it’s like a Northwester.”
Also see: get someone’s back up.
Related Terms:
- Ruffle someone’s feathers: To irritate or annoy someone; traditionally linked to the way birds react when they’re startled or annoyed.
- Push someone’s buttons: To do specific things with the intent to upset or provoke someone.
- Rub the wrong way: To irritate or annoy someone, similar to the way animals enjoy being petted in a certain direction.
Synonyms: Infuriate, enrage, provoke, irk, vex.
Antonyms: Soothe, placate, calm, pacify, appease.
Humor-filled Quote:
“Years ago my mother used to say to me… she’d say, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.” — Elwood P. Dowd
Proverb:
“Don’t shake hands with clenched fists.” — A peacekeeping expression advocating diplomacy and calm.
Literary Reference:
- “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare: Explores the themes of rage and reconciliation through the character of Prospero.
Suggested Literature:
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger explores teenage angst and rebellion.
Songs:
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen, a song pulsating with rebellious energy.
Movies:
- “Anger Management” starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, a humorous exploration of controlling one’s temper.
Quizzes on Dander and Anger
### Which of these expressions means to make someone very angry?
- [x] Get one's dander up
- [ ] Knock one's socks off
- [ ] Hit the nail on the head
- [ ] Paint the town red
> **Explanation:** "Get one's dander up" means to make someone very angry. The other expressions convey excitement, precise accuracy, and having a good time respectively.
### Which of these phrases is synonymous with "getting one's back up"?
- [ ] Throw in the towel
- [x] Ruffle someone's feathers
- [ ] Break the ice
- [ ] Catch someone's drift
> **Explanation:** "Ruffle someone's feathers" is similar to "getting someone's back up," both meaning to irritate or annoy someone. The other options relate to giving up, initiating conversation, and understanding, respectively.
### True or False: 'Raining cats and dogs' is the same as 'getting one's dander up.'
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Raining cats and dogs" refers to a heavy downpour, whereas "getting one's dander up" means making someone very angry.
### Which phrase is genuine and means to upset someone?
- [ ] Running on biscuit wheels
- [ ] Walking with rainbow shoes
- [x] Push someone's buttons
- [ ] Laugh with dragon tongues
> **Explanation:** "Push someone's buttons" is a real idiom meaning to intentionally irritate or upset someone. The others are whimsically nonsensical.
### Which literary work explores themes of rage and reconciliation?
- [x] "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
- [ ] "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll
- [ ] "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
- [ ] "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
> **Explanation:** *"The Tempest"* by William Shakespeare deals with themes of rage and reconciliation primarily through the character Prospero.
