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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Explanation

If that mean-looking doggie has his back arched, teeth bared and the hairs on the back of his neck are standing up straight, walk away slowly. You've raised his hackles, or instilled a feeling of anger. In the technical sense, hackles are the hairs or feathers that grow right at the back of an animal's neck. You know, the things that spike up on a scared cat or angry rooster. But in the human world, raising someone's hackles means you've made them boiling mad or super annoyed. For example, spitting spit balls while the teacher isn't looking is sure to raise her hackles. And land you in detention.

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 effect of this deal on other companies also raises the hackles of economists and trade experts.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 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 eyes shone madly as the feathered hackles rose around his neck.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques