Hairy Conniption
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "hairy conniption" is a colorful way of saying someone had an especially wild outburst or tantrum - a souped-up version of a "conniption fit."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I don't use 'hairy conniption,' but I've heard it all my life. It's always seemed a little gross. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I don't use 'hairy conniption,' but I've heard it all my life. It's always seemed a little gross. Pronunciation
[HAIR-ee kuh-NIP-shun]
Meaning & Usage
- A very intense outburst or tantrum (folk exaggeration)
Mae:
Did she really get that mad?
Did she really get that mad?
Earl:
Lord yes - she had a full-blown hairy conniption.
Lord yes - she had a full-blown hairy conniption.variations: conniption, conniption fit
★ "Hairy" in Southern/Appalachian speech can mean "wild," "serious," or "intense." Adding it to "conniption" turns a regular fit into a big, memorable blow-up. ★
Origin and Etymology
"Conniption" dates to early 19th-century American English. "Hairy" as an intensifier has long been used in the South to mean "wild" or "serious." Combining them creates a natural Southern-style exaggeration.
Usage Notes
Still heard in playful or humorous speech, especially among older Southerners and storytellers. Outside the South, people may recognize "conniption" but find "hairy conniption" novel or especially folksy.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it with extra punch: "hairy conniption." "Hairy" adds emphasis, making the conniption sound wilder or more dramatic.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Hairy Conniption. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hairy-conniption
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hairy Conniption." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hairy-conniption.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Hairy Conniption." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hairy-conniption.
Most Popular
Latest Accents
Latest Sayings
Latest Slang
Latest Southernish
About
Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...