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

Clooney's newly acquired citizenship has also raised hackles in France.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 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

Adopting a fact checking system inspired by an Elon-Musk-owned platform was always going to raise hackles.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2025

It was too dark to see, but she felt the dogs creeping back to her, their hackles lowered now, and one rubbed his head against her arm.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo