Ranting and Raving: Fury Unleashed and Tamed 🗣️
Synonyms:
- Shouting
- Yelling
- Blowing a gasket
- Venting spleen
Antonyms:
- Whispering
- Murmuring
- Speaking calmly
- Reasoning
Humorous Quote:
“Some people wouldn’t even be able to rant and rave for ten seconds if they had to use decent language.” – Joyce Meyer
Related Proverbs:
- “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”
- “Don’t fly off the handle.”
Comparable Expressions:
- “Flying into a rage”
- “Losing one’s temper”
- “Foaming at the mouth”
- “Going ballistic”
Reference in Literature:
Family Dancing by David Leavitt (1984): “It’s easy for you to just stand there and rant and rave.”
The Bend of the Road by James MacManus (1898): While not a popular read today, this work introduces the “raived and ranted” form.
Similar Terms:
- Blow one’s top: To suddenly become very angry.
- Hit the ceiling: To have a strong emotional reaction, usually anger.
- Throw a tantrum: Often associated with children, but adults can have these too – just ask any exasperated customer service worker.
Movies and TV that Showcase Perfect Ranting and Raving:
- Network (1976): “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Jordan Belfort’s extravagant and energetic speeches.
- Modern Family (2009-2020): Phil Dunphy’s adorable yet epic freak-outs.
Songs to Amp Up (or Calm) Your Ranting:
- “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette – for the ultimate ‘ranty’ anthem.
- “Take It Easy” by The Eagles – when you need to cool down after ranting and raving.
Suggested Books and Poetry:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – because perhaps ranting and raving isn’t the best way to communicate.
- The Rants by Dennis Miller – Sit down, read, relate, and be entertained by comedic rants.
- “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas – Translates the emotional storm of ranting into poetic form.
Quizzes:
### Which of these idioms is correct?
- [x] Rant and rave
- [ ] Scream and scramble
- [ ] Shout and sit
- [ ] Wave and whisper
> **Explanation:** "Rant and rave" is a common idiom meaning to speak wildly and angrily. The others are just trying to keep up!
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Blowing into a cocktail
- [ ] Shouting at the clouds
- [x] Going ballistic
- [ ] Flying under the trees
> **Explanation:** "Going ballistic" is a genuine idiom used to describe someone becoming very angry. The other options are just attempting to sound fancy.
### True or False: 'Hitting the ceiling' is an idiom
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Hitting the ceiling" is indeed a real idiom describing someone having an intense emotional reaction, usually of anger.
Farewell Thoughts:
As we joyfully explore these amplified expressions, remember: Channel your inner mad rants into positive energy 🌟. Words are powerful, use them to inspire rather than just vent.
Yours linguistically committed, W. T. Wittywords
