hissy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, chiefly US
Quick answer
What does “hissy” mean?
Characterized by or resembling a prolonged 'hiss' sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Characterized by or resembling a prolonged 'hiss' sound.
An emotional outburst or tantrum, often characterized by angry, childish, or petulant behaviour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word itself is understood in the UK, but the phrase 'hissy fit' (a tantrum) is significantly more common and natural in US English. UK speakers are more likely to say 'throw a wobbly', 'have a tantrum', or 'strop'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the connotation is negative, suggesting childish, uncontrolled, and often unreasonable anger.
Frequency
High frequency in US English, especially the collocation 'hissy fit'. Low-to-medium frequency in UK English, where it can sound like an Americanism.
Grammar
How to Use “hissy” in a Sentence
throw a hissy [fit]have a hissy [fit]go hissy (on someone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hissy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old tape recorder began to hissy and whir.
- The radiator hissed and hissied all night.
American English
- The faulty microphone started to hissy during the speech.
- The air escaping from the tyre hissed and hissied.
adjective
British English
- She gave a hissy sigh of frustration.
- The recording was too hissy to understand.
American English
- The toddler was on the verge of a hissy meltdown.
- Don't get all hissy with me over a spilled drink.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare and informal; used metaphorically, e.g., 'The client threw a hissy fit over the minor change.'
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Common in US speech to describe childish anger. 'My toddler had a hissy fit in the supermarket.'
Technical
Non-applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hissy”
- Using it as a standard adjective for anger without 'fit' (e.g., 'He was very hissy' is unnatural). Confusing it with 'hissy' as a descriptor of audio quality ('a hissy recording').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and conversational, especially in its most common use ('hissy fit').
Rarely. It's almost always part of the phrase 'hissy fit' or used attributively (e.g., 'a hissy tantrum'). Saying 'He's feeling hissy' sounds unnatural.
They are synonyms, but 'hissy fit' is more informal and often implies the anger is petulant, unreasonable, or performative. 'Tantrum' is more neutral and can be used for young children more naturally.
It is understood and used, but it is perceived as an Americanism. British equivalents like 'strop' or 'wobbly' are more native to UK English.
Characterized by or resembling a prolonged 'hiss' sound.
Hissy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw a hissy fit”
- “have a hissy”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a snake (which HISSes) throwing a childish TANTRUM – a HISSY fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A HISSING SOUND / LOSING CONTROL IS ACTING LIKE A CHILD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hissy' LEAST likely to be used naturally?