Mad as a Wet Hen
“Mad as a wet hen” - Extremely angry. The origin of this furious expression is a bit puzzling, as hens—despite not being waterfowl—generally aren’t overly distressed by wetness. Conjecture suggests it hails from a farmer tossing a bucket of water on hens, causing a feathered flap. Notable appearances: P. G. Wodehouse’s “Money in the Bank” (1942), and H. L. Mencken’s “The American Language” (1919).
Related and Similar Terms
- Mad as a hornet: Equally descriptive, reflecting the well-known fury of an agitated hornet.
- Bent out of shape: Annoyed or agitated to an unusual degree.
- Seeing red: Another vivid idiom indicating extreme anger.
Synonyms
- Infuriated
- Enraged
- Irate
- Fuming
Antonyms
- Calm
- Composed
- Tranquil
- Serene
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “I don’t know what my spirit animal is, but I’m pretty sure it’s mad as a wet hen.” 😂 – Anonymous
- “Getting mad as a wet hen over spilled milk? Might as well put out the fire with gasoline!” 🐔🔥 – Old Farmer’s Almanac
Proverbs and References
Proverb: “He who can suppress a moment’s anger may prevent days of sorrow.”
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Literature: “Money in the Bank” by P.G. Wodehouse.
- Books: “The American Language” by H. L. Mencken.
- Movies: “Anger Management” starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson for a humorous exploration of dealing with fury.
- Songs: “Angry” by The Rolling Stones—expresses the turbulent roller coaster of being enraged.
- Poetry: “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas—an emphatic plea to fight with vehement emotion.
Quizzes
### Which of these expressions means extremely angry?
- [x] Mad as a wet hen
- [ ] Dancing on cloud nine
- [ ] As cool as a cucumber
- [ ] Nesting in the henhouse
> **Explanation:** "Mad as a wet hen" means extremely angry, while the other options refer to happiness, coolness, or are entirely nonsensical.
### Choose the synonym for "irate":
- [x] Enraged
- [ ] Blissful
- [ ] Content
- [ ] Relaxed
> **Explanation:** The synonym for "irate" (angry) is "enraged". The other choices are more associated with a placid state of mind.
### Fill in the blank: "After taming the bees, he was as _____ as a wet hen."
- [x] Mad
- [ ] Happy
- [ ] Content
- [ ] Jubilant
> **Explanation:** After an ordeal with bees, one would likely be in a very angry or annoyed mood, making "mad" the appropriate term.
### True or False: The idiom 'Bent out of shape' means extremely angry.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This is true. "Bent out of shape" is slang for being extremely annoyed or angered.
### Which expression fits a calm demeanor?
- [ ] Mad as a hornet
- [ ] Fuming duck
- [ ] Seeing red
- [x] As cool as a cucumber
> **Explanation:** "As cool as a cucumber" indicates a calm and collected demeanor, unlike the other phrases which signify anger.
May you tackle life’s irritations with more serenity than a soaking hen in a rainstorm. Carry each annoyance with grace and a dash of humor. 🌦️🐔
Yours sincerely, Agatha Grumble
