conniption

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word "conniption" is a correct and usable word in English.
It is an informal word meaning a fit of rage, frenzy, or hysteria. You can use it when referring to someone getting very angry or worked up. Example sentence: After the dog ruined his new shoes, Bill had a conniption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Last year's iPhone update sent users into a conniption when it replaced Google's maps with Apple's own inferior versions.Twitter tweeted its plans for an IPO some time next year.

The Economist

MICHAEL Lewis's book "Flash Boys" on high frequency trading (reviewed here) has attracted some vigorous criticism from within the industry but it has raised awareness of a topic that only seems to crop up when the market has a conniption like the flash crash of 2010.

The Economist

This reflects badly on India's ruling party but is in fact grimly consistent with its long reluctance to enforce the law against Shiv Sena a big reason for the impunity Mr Thackeray has enjoyed.My name is Gandhi and I am a future prime ministerProne to communal conniption, India needs enlightened leadership, which Congress has often failed to provide.

The Economist

"I thought she'd have a conniption fit waitin for yall," said Mrs. Battle, a neighbor from downstairs.

The New Yorker

All the whites in a conniption fit, running about, the whole town burned, all the slaves happy as Christmas about it, saying stuff about white folk and to white folk that Lazarus had never before heard in his natural-born life.

The New Yorker

With Europe in chaos, Wall Street having another conniption, and global capitalism again on the brink, light relief is badly needed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

No doubt the language alone would give her conniptions?

The Guardian - Film

Nor, despite the conniptions about race, will the party have shifted decisively left or right.

The Economist

Mr Scholze-Solta advises Catholic Sorbs to remain a "parallel society", a term that causes Germans conniptions when applied to Turks.

The Economist

The Senate's regional make-up precludes him getting a majority there, so he would probably be unable to form a government; instead such a result would usher in months of uncertainty and a fresh election, all accompanied by conniptions in the markets.The second-worst outcome would be for Mr Bersani's coalition to win a majority in both houses.

The Economist

But now word wafts across the Atlantic of the conniptions which Vice-President Al Gore has caused by turning, quietly but expensively, to Naomi Wolf, a feminist author (most recently of "Promiscuities"), for advice on how to put new vigour into his presidential campaign.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conniption" to describe a fit of anger or panic, particularly in informal contexts. It's a vivid way to convey someone's strong reaction.

Common error

While "conniption" is a descriptive term, it's generally too informal for academic papers, business reports, or other professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "agitation" or "outburst" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

Noun describing a state of extreme emotional upset. The word "conniption" functions as a noun, often modified by "fit" (e.g., "conniption fit"), to describe a sudden and intense display of anger, panic, or excitement. Ludwig AI explains that this word is correct and usable in English. Examples shows that the word is used to describe the market having a "conniption".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "conniption" is an informal noun referring to a fit of anger or panic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable word in English, primarily found in news and media contexts. It is used to vividly describe someone's strong emotional reaction, with a slightly humorous or disapproving tone. While common in informal settings, it's best to avoid it in formal writing, opting for more neutral terms like "agitation" or "outburst". Common variations include "conniption fit", which is simply a more emphatic way of saying it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fit of rage

Focuses specifically on the anger aspect, omitting the potential panic or excitement.

outburst

A more general term for a sudden release of emotion, less specific than "conniption".

tantrum

Implies childish or petulant anger.

hissy fit

An informal and often dismissive term for an emotional outburst.

frenzy

Highlights the uncontrolled, agitated aspect.

state of agitation

A more formal way to describe being upset or anxious.

emotional upheaval

Emphasizes the disruptive and overwhelming nature of the emotion.

panic attack

Focuses specifically on the panic aspect, excluding anger or excitement.

flap

Informal term for excitement, or a state of agitation.

fizz

Informal term for excitable enthusiasm or agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "conniption" in a sentence?

You can use "conniption" to describe someone experiencing a fit of rage or panic. For example, "When he saw the damage to his car, he had a "conniption"."

What's a less informal synonym for "conniption"?

If you're looking for a less informal alternative to "conniption", consider using "outburst" or "agitation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "conniption fit"?

"Conniption fit" is a common and acceptable variation of ""conniption"", though it's slightly more emphatic. Both are informal.

What kind of situations warrant the use of "conniption"?

The word ""conniption"" is most suitable in informal settings, where you want to vividly describe someone's strong, often uncontrolled, emotional reaction to an event.