conniption: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “conniption” mean?
A sudden, violent, and often noisy fit of anger, panic, or hysterics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sudden, violent, and often noisy fit of anger, panic, or hysterics.
An exaggerated emotional outburst, often characterized by irrational anger, frustration, or anxiety, typically over a minor issue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in the UK but is far more common and idiomatic in American English. In British English, similar concepts might be expressed with "throw a wobbly" or "have a fit."
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a humorous or slightly mocking tone, suggesting the outburst is disproportionate. In the US, it is a well-established, if informal, idiom.
Frequency
Very low frequency in British English; low-to-medium in American informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “conniption” in a Sentence
[Subject] have/throw a conniption (over/about [object])[Subject]'s conniptionVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously: "The boss will have a conniption if the report isn't ready."
Academic
Extremely rare; inappropriate for formal writing.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in informal conversation to describe an overreaction.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conniption”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He conniptioned'). It is only a noun. Spelling: 'conniption' not 'conniptian' or 'conniption'. Using it in a formal context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real word, but it is considered informal or colloquial. It is listed in major dictionaries.
No, it is only used as a noun, almost always in the phrase 'have/throw a conniption (fit).'
They are very similar. 'Tantrum' is more common and can be used for children and adults. 'Conniption' is more specifically informal, often humorous, and typically used for adults, implying a sudden, irrational outburst.
Yes, etymologically it is redundant (as 'fit' is part of the original meaning), but 'conniption fit' is a very common, fixed expression in American English.
A sudden, violent, and often noisy fit of anger, panic, or hysterics.
Conniption is usually informal, humorous in register.
Conniption: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈnɪp.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈnɪp.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Have/throw a conniption fit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONNection being abruptly ripped apart (RIPTION) because someone is having a furious fit – a CONNIpTIOn.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A PHYSICAL FORCE/BURSTING ("She exploded into a conniption").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'conniption' MOST appropriately used?