conniption

American  

[kuh-nip-shuhn] / kəˈnɪp ʃən /

noun

1. Informal. Often conniptions. a fit of hysterical excitement or anger.

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conniption British  

/ kəˈnɪpʃən /

noun

1. slang (often plural) a fit of rage or tantrums

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conniption Idioms  

1. see have a fit (conniption).

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Etymology

Origin of conniption

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; origin uncertain

Explanation

Don’t have a conniption! Here’s the definition — a conniption is a temper tantrum, and it’s not just for toddlers. "Don't have a conniption" is another way of saying, "Take it easy. Don't throw a fit." Conniptions are fits or tantrums. A screaming toddler is a perfect example of a conniption, but adults who lose their tempers have conniptions too. People have conniptions when they lose their cool and can't control themselves. If you’ve been waiting in line for two hours then someone jumps ahead and takes the last cupcake, go ahead and have a conniption.

Example Sentences

Then the museum’s collection manager had a conniption.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2022

Last year he threw a succession of theatrical conniption fits over state and local regulations aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2021

He didn’t plan on it lasting five years and triggering a national conniption.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2018

At the 1967 Masters, the legendary Bobby Jones—a man who, according to the Atlanta History Center, “called singular attention to the game’s best traditions”—threw a conniption at the sight of Snead’s bizarro methodology.

From Slate • Jun. 13, 2013

When they came home, everybody was having a conniption about a big giant fight in the village over who got whose share of their horrid meat.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver