a quick temper

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It means someone who easily becomes angry. You can use it in the middle of a sentence or as a phrase in itself. Example sentence: Rachel had a quick temper and would often snap at her colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I have a quick temper, a short fuse".

The New York Times

HE had a quick temper, and friends found it ugly.

The New York Times

Nabila was impetuous, with a quick temper and a strong sense of self.

The New York Times

He is tough, with a quick temper that brooks no foolishness.

The New York Times

His restless, probing mind was complemented by a quick temper and a sustained capacity for invective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Court records in Indiana and friends depict Howell as a gun enthusiast with a quick temper.

The Guardian

"Black kids shootin' every one of each other, they got a quick temper...

The New Yorker

She had a quick temper and often shouted, for little reason, they recalled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Described by one of his parliamentary colleagues as a "mixture of bon vivant and conservatism", Waddy was also known for an occasionally quick temper; his staff were said to "start making motions as though they were bombing and strafing the enemy" when their boss got "wound up".

Wikipedia

Reid doesn't have the sort of domineering personality that L.B.J. had; in fact, despite an occasionally quick temper, he can seem almost shy.

The New Yorker

But he has faced — and engaged in — several tense verbal exchanges that have given him a reputation for a defensive and quick temper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "a quick temper" to succinctly convey impulsiveness and proneness to anger, providing a quick insight into their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick temper" when you mean someone is intelligent or able to solve problems rapidly. Use phrases like "quick-witted" or "sharp-minded" instead. "A quick temper" specifically refers to emotional reactivity, not cognitive ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick temper" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an attribute or characteristic of a person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples illustrating how it describes someone's tendency to become angry easily.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick temper" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who is easily angered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, be mindful of its specific meaning related to emotional reactivity and avoid confusing it with cognitive abilities. Alternatives like "short-fused" or "easily angered" can provide nuanced variations, while understanding the contexts and connotations can enhance effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short-fused

This alternative describes someone who gets angry very quickly.

hot-headed

This alternative describes someone who reacts impulsively and angrily.

easily angered

This alternative focuses on the ease with which someone gets angry.

prone to anger

This alternative directly states a tendency towards feeling and expressing anger.

easily provoked

This alternative highlights the ease of triggering anger in someone.

irascible nature

This alternative indicates a generally irritable and easily provoked disposition.

volatile disposition

This alternative suggests an unstable emotional state that can quickly erupt in anger.

fiery temperament

This alternative refers to a passionate and easily ignited emotional nature.

testy personality

This suggests a personality marked by impatience and a tendency to snap.

irritable

This is a more general term indicating a tendency to be easily annoyed, which can lead to anger.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a quick temper" in a sentence?

You can say, "He has "a quick temper" and often overreacts", or "Her "quick temper" makes it difficult to reason with her when she's upset".

What's a more formal way to say "a quick temper"?

While "a quick temper" is generally acceptable, you could use "a propensity for anger", "an irascible disposition", or "a tendency toward volatility" in more formal contexts.

What are some signs that someone has "a quick temper"?

Signs may include frequent outbursts of anger, easily becoming irritated or frustrated, and difficulty controlling their emotions in stressful situations. They might also display "impatience" or "aggression" when challenged.

Is having "a quick temper" always a negative trait?

While often perceived negatively, having "a quick temper" can sometimes be associated with passion and a strong sense of justice. However, it's important to manage it effectively to avoid damaging relationships or causing unnecessary conflict.