hackles

British  

/ ˈhækəlz /

plural noun

1. the hairs on the back of the neck and the back of a dog, cat, etc, which rise when the animal is angry or afraid

2. anger or resentment (esp in the phrases get one's hackles up, make one's hackles rise )

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hackles Idioms  

1. see raise someone's hackles.

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Example Sentences

Brennan began to ask if Ross was back on the street and working in Minneapolis when Noem got her hackles up.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

There, he reiterated that he had "no agenda" and stated that "all debates are possible" on the thorny issue of reforms to France's pension system that has raised the hackles of leftist parties.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

The success of high-speed rail in other countries raises our competitive hackles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

Feline lovers in Kenya’s capital have been twitching over the threat of what is perceived as a “cat tax” - and any talk of tax in the East African nation raises the hackles.

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2024

His hackles stood up in a ragged ridge along the back of his neck and shoulders.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson