What are the origins of Hissy, i.e. Hissy Fit

Factual Questions
1

I had one heck of a hissy fit yesterday. :smiley: I expressed concerns about a certain problem in a loud and definitive manner.

Yup, guys have hissy fits too. But, many people think it only applies to women. That’s not true in my family or people I know. :wink:

So what the heck is a hissy? What are the origins of the word?

2

I wouldn’t be surprised if it shared a root etymology with the word “Hysterical.”

3

I presume that it’s meant to evoke the image of a hissing cat.

4

I’ve always assumed the same as Diogenes.

I’d be surprised if it turned out to be related directly to “hysterical”.

5

Etymonline.com says it comes from hiss, without further expansion.

6

Cats, possums, geese, swans, and other things hiss when angry, often for little cause, a hissy fit.

7

:eek: An angry cat is definitely a scary thing. I’ve seen a pissed off tomcat send a German Shepard running for cover. :smiley:

That could be the origin of hissy fit. I wouldn’t be surprised.

8

I agree with Diogenes the Cynic, CalMeacham, *and *Exapno Mapcase!

(Wow. You don’t hear that very often ;))

9

U.S. in origin, 20th Century.

Most authorities suggest a link with hysterics, but offer no evidence.