fiery temper

USAGE SUMMARY

'fiery temper' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who easily gets angry or annoyed. For example: "John had a fiery temper, and even the slightest provocation would make him lose his temper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Martin did not deny his fiery temper.

The New York Times - Sports

I've got a fiery temper.

The Guardian - Sport

But he also displayed a fiery temper.

The New York Times - Sports

"Lee had a fiery temper when he was younger.

Independent

She has the same independence, determination and fiery temper.

The Guardian - Sport

She combines a fiery temper with a wicked sense of humor about her political exploits.

The New York Times

Franklin was brilliant, but had a fiery temper and did not suffer fools gladly.

The Guardian - Film

Gonzalez is known for his fiery temper and tendency to speak his mind.

The New York Times - Sports

He's got the fiery temper, you know, which I don't think is the worst thing in the world".

The New York Times

Mr. Stanford was known to have a fiery temper, to berate employees and occasionally to throw glass ashtrays at meetings.

The New York Times

Mr. Choi said Ms. Kim, 64, was rumored to have a drinking problem and a fiery temper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's flaw, use "fiery temper" to show a propensity for anger, but balance it with other qualities to create a nuanced portrayal. For example, a character might have a "fiery temper" but also be deeply loyal and compassionate.

Common error

While "fiery temper" is a descriptive phrase, avoid relying on it too heavily. Use it sparingly and support it with specific examples of the person's behavior to make the description more vivid and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fiery temper" functions as a noun phrase that describes a characteristic or personality trait. It is used to attribute a tendency to become easily angered or display strong emotions to a person or character. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fiery temper" is a common and acceptable way to describe someone who gets angry easily, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Analysis of its usage shows it's most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Wiki and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While grammatically correct, writers should avoid overusing the phrase and instead provide specific examples to illustrate the character's behavior. Alternatives like "easily angered" or "quick to anger" may be suitable depending on the context. Ultimately, using "fiery temper" effectively requires balancing its descriptive power with nuanced character development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short fuse

An idiomatic expression referring to a low threshold for anger.

hot-headed

A more informal way to describe someone who gets angry easily.

quick to anger

Highlights the speed at which someone's anger is triggered.

easily angered

Focuses on the ease with which someone becomes angry, rather than the intensity of the anger.

easily provoked

Emphasizes the ease with which someone can be incited to anger.

irascible nature

Uses a more formal term to describe a tendency towards irritability.

explosive personality

Suggests sudden and intense bursts of anger.

volatile personality

Indicates an unstable emotional state prone to sudden outbursts.

irritable disposition

Indicates a general tendency to be easily annoyed or irritated.

resentful disposition

Highlights a tendency to harbor resentment, contributing to a negative emotional state.

FAQs

How can I describe a "fiery temper" without using those exact words?

You could use phrases like "easily angered", "quick to anger", or "hot-headed" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "fiery temper" in formal writing?

While "fiery temper" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more subdued phrase like "irascible nature" or "prone to anger" might be more suitable.

What are the potential negative connotations of having a "fiery temper"?

Having a "fiery temper" often suggests a lack of self-control and can imply that someone is prone to outbursts, aggression, or irrational behavior. It's generally seen as a negative trait.

Can a "fiery temper" ever be a positive trait?

In some contexts, a "fiery temper" can be associated with passion, determination, and a strong sense of justice. However, it's important to note that these positive qualities are usually present alongside an ability to control and channel that anger effectively. When the "fiery temper" consumes you, then it becomes an issue.