raise hackles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise hackles" is a commonly used and correct phrase in written English.
It means to cause irritation, anger or annoyance in someone. Example: His insensitive comments about the situation raised my hackles and I had to speak up and defend myself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That can raise hackles.

The Economist

And she isn't afraid to raise hackles.

The New York Times - Travel

Stone's single-minded, almost mechanistic style can sometimes raise hackles.

The New Yorker

The Value of a Vote Shares without votes raise hackles.

The New York Times

And some of Mr. Shand-Tucci's assertions may raise hackles.

The New York Times - Arts

Bits of it will raise hackles in other parts of the Labour Party.

Independent

Detroit now seems to be following.Mr Glaeser is likely to raise hackles in three areas.

The Economist

But even as he has spent less time in India, he can still raise hackles there.

The New York Times - Books

"If we raise hackles, we're lost".As an expression of principle, that is fair enough.

The Economist

Research on this in humans causes ethical problems and can raise hackles.

The Economist

Other proposals will raise hackles in the intelligence agencies and in the Obama Administration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise hackles" when you want to emphasize that a particular action or statement is likely to cause strong feelings of annoyance or anger. It's more vivid than simply saying something is 'annoying'.

Common error

Avoid using "raise hackles" for minor irritations. This idiom implies a significant level of annoyance or anger, so it's unsuitable for trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "raise hackles" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of provoking strong negative emotions. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raise hackles" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiomatic expression that means to cause irritation, anger, or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various writing styles. While there are alternatives like "cause irritation" or "provoke anger", "raise hackles" offers a more vivid description of the emotional response. Use this phrase to emphasize that something is likely to cause strong negative feelings. Be mindful of the intensity it conveys, as it's not suitable for minor irritations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruffle feathers

Another idiom, similar in meaning but slightly more gentle and metaphorical.

provoke anger

Emphasizes the generation of strong negative emotions; more forceful.

make someone bristle

Describes a physical reaction to annoyance or anger.

cause irritation

Focuses on the act of causing mild annoyance, less intense than raising hackles.

antagonize

Implies deliberately provoking hostility or opposition.

infuriate

Indicates causing extreme anger; a more intense reaction.

stir up resentment

Highlights the creation of lasting bitterness and displeasure.

aggravate

Suggests making a situation worse or causing increased irritation.

annoy

A simple term indicating mild disturbance or irritation.

vex

Means to cause trouble or difficulty; a more formal and less common term.

FAQs

What does it mean to "raise hackles"?

To "raise hackles" means to cause irritation, anger, or annoyance in someone. It suggests a strong negative reaction to something said or done.

How can I use "raise hackles" in a sentence?

You can say, "His insensitive comments about the situation "raised hackles" and I had to speak up". It implies his comments were deeply irritating or offensive.

What can I say instead of "raise hackles"?

You can use alternatives like "cause irritation", "provoke anger", or "ruffle feathers" depending on the context.

Is "raise hackles" formal or informal?

"Raise hackles" is considered a semi-formal idiom, suitable for news articles, opinion pieces, and general writing. It's less formal than academic language but more descriptive than simple words like "annoy".