brutal temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutal temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a very aggressive or violent disposition, often reacting with anger or rage. Example: "After years of dealing with his brutal temper, his friends learned to tread carefully around him during disagreements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wendy Leigh, author of an unauthorized biography of the actor, wrote this year in an Australian newspaper that the elder Mr. Schwarzenegger had a "brutal temper" and "gloried in pitting his two sons against each other".

The New York Times

His ruthless methods and brutal temper have been the stuff of Hollywood legend for two decades, and he has earned the nickname Harvey Scissorhands for his tendency to interfere in the editing of films.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Catt" keeps righting itself, largely because the hysteria that propels it — it's a play about painful recrimination, and lies that are reversed in the face of the brutal truth — is tempered by Williams's command of his craft.

The New Yorker

Sisi was also relieved of any U.S. pressure to temper his brutal crackdown in Egypt.

Los Angeles Times

But Mr. Beccalli's cultural sensitivities can be tempered with brutal candor, even ruthlessness.

The New York Times

When the trees are all bare and the temper'ture's brutal.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen whether "The Orphanage" will temper the exceedingly brutal but profitable standards of bloodletting set by the likes of "The Hills Have Eyes" or the various "Texas Chainsaw Massacres," or if it will draw the traditional horror audience away from its gorier fare.

The New York Times

The Turkish journalist Asli Aydintasbas noted in this section recently that Erdogan has acquired a reputation within Turkey for brutal and bullying flashes of temper, which he doesn't bother to curb even on camera.

Forbes

She was shocked by how "nasty, brutal, bracing and savage" the story was, tempered only by some gallows humour.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was trying to hurt them in a fit of temper, but not in a particularly brutal manner.

Independent

They are part of a brutal market, involved in a tough contact sport, criticised and abused if they lose their temper on the pitch, or celebrate in the wrong way, or with the wrong person, on Saturday night.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's personality, use "brutal temper" to convey a sense of intense, uncontrolled anger. Provide context to illustrate specific instances of this behavior for a stronger impact.

Common error

Avoid using "brutal temper" for mild irritation or frustration. This phrase denotes extreme anger, so ensure the context warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutal temper" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a person's inherent disposition or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and its use has been found in credible sources like the New York Times.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brutal temper" is a descriptive noun phrase used to convey an extreme level of anger. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a relatively rare expression and carries a strong negative connotation. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the anger you intend to describe and ensure it is appropriate for the context. Alternatives like ""violent disposition"" or "explosive anger" might be suitable depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ferocious anger

Highlights the intensity and severity of the anger.

uncontrolled rage

Stresses the lack of restraint and self-control in anger.

violent disposition

Emphasizes the tendency towards violence rather than just anger.

savage fury

Implies a wild and destructive level of anger.

explosive anger

Focuses on the sudden and intense outbursts of anger.

fiery temperament

Highlights the passionate and easily ignited nature of the temper.

volatile nature

Indicates an unstable and unpredictable personality prone to anger.

irascible character

Highlights a consistently irritable and easily angered personality.

vicious mood

Describes a particularly malicious and unpleasant state of mind.

short fuse

Emphasizes the ease with which someone becomes angry.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "brutal temper" without using that exact phrase?

You can use alternatives like "violent disposition", "fiery temperament", or "uncontrolled rage" depending on the context.

What situations would warrant the use of the phrase "brutal temper"?

The phrase "brutal temper" is appropriate when describing someone who exhibits extreme, often violent, anger in response to triggers. It suggests a lack of control and potentially harmful behavior.

Is "brutal temper" a common expression in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "brutal temper" is not as frequently used as some of its synonyms. Other options include "short fuse" or "explosive anger", which are more common.

What is the difference between "brutal temper" and "bad temper"?

"Brutal temper" implies a more extreme and potentially dangerous level of anger than "bad temper". "Bad temper" suggests general irritability, while "brutal temper" suggests intense, possibly violent outbursts.