Have a Conniption Fit, To
Definition: To display hysteria; an extreme emotional upset. This term dates from the early 1800s. Seba Smith had it in Major T. Downing (1860), “And Keziah fell down in a conniption fit.” The phrase has a rustic sound and is heard less often today.
Similar Terms:
- Throw a fit: To become very angry or upset suddenly.
- Lose one’s marbles: To go insane or act irrationally.
- Blow a gasket: To become very angry quickly.
- Flip one’s lid: To react angrily or lose control emotionally.
Antonyms:
- Remain calm: To stay collected and unapologetically serene, even in chaos.
- Keep one’s cool: Maintain composure and self-control.
Synonyms:
- Throw a tantrum: An outburst, typically of anger and frustration.
- Go ballistic: To become extremely angry.
![Humor-Filled Quote:] “If you’re not at least mildly hysterical 20% of the time, you’re probably doing life wrong.” – J. K. Chucklesworth
Proverb: “Patience is a tree whose root is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” – African Proverb
Suggested Literature:
- Books: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger (protagonist Holden Caulfield frequently has conniptions).
- Songs: “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner (features emotionally charged lyrics).
- Poetry: “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats (“Things fall apart; the center cannot hold”).
- Movies: “Inside Out” (2015) - A deep dive into emotional health and upheaval.
📚 Quizzes: Temper Tantrum Trivia
### Which of these phrases means to have an extreme emotional outburst?
- [x] Have a conniption fit
- [ ] Bask in the sunshine
- [ ] Knit a scarf
- [ ] Drink tea quietly
> **Explanation:** "Have a conniption fit" refers to displaying hysteria or having an extreme emotional upset. The other options are far less explosive activities.
### Choose the idiom that means to become very angry suddenly.
- [ ] Cool as a cucumber
- [x] Blow a gasket
- [ ] Drink milk
- [ ] Winsomely whimsy
> **Explanation:** "Blow a gasket" means to suddenly become very angry. "Cool as a cucumber" is actually quite the opposite—remaining calm.
### True or False: "Throwing a tantrum" is an expression of emotional control.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Throwing a tantrum" is the exact opposite of emotional control; it's losing it completely.
### Which expression is an antiquated term for a fit of hysteria?
- [ ] Spoon over a potluck
- [x] Have a conniption fit
- [ ] Roll over red clover
- [ ] Whisper wind works
> **Explanation:** "Have a conniption fit" is a term for a fit of hysteria and dates back to the early 1800s.
### Identify the phrase that suggests emotional tranquility.
- [x] Keep one's cool
- [ ] Flip one's lid
- [ ] Go bananas
- [ ] Have a conniption fit
> **Explanation:** "Keep one's cool" suggests maintaining calm and composure, unlike the others which imply some form of an emotional outburst.
Remember, be cool as a cucumber and don’t throw a conniption fit! Until next time,
- Eleonora E. Expressions ☕🍩
