temper tantrum

USAGE SUMMARY

"temper tantrum" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to an emotional outburst of anger or frustration, usually seen in young children. Example sentence: The toddler threw a temper tantrum when his mother refused to buy him candy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A ghost-girl temper tantrum.

The New York Times

The Times called it "a temper tantrum in two acts".

The New Yorker

Here's a visual: Child throws a temper tantrum.

The New York Times

This becomes as tedious as a temper tantrum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He seemed to be in a weekend-long temper tantrum.

The Washington Post

"This is not a temper tantrum," the official said.

The New York Times

Did the temper tantrum do any good, Beard was asked.

The New York Times - Sports

That caused Karimov to have a temper tantrum.

The New Yorker

But still, she says, GamerGate is a temper tantrum: "It's just a scary, violent, abusive, temper tantrum.

The Guardian - Tech

Will Mr. Christie's budget temper tantrum end speculation that he might become Mr. Romney's running mate?

The New York Times

I wouldn't want to throw a temper tantrum and let my buddy down, you know?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional reactions, consider the context. Using "temper tantrum" is most appropriate when describing a childish or immature display of anger or frustration. Avoid using it to describe justified anger or grief.

Common error

Avoid using "temper tantrum" in formal or professional writing when describing adult reactions to disappointment or disagreement. Instead, opt for terms like "disagreement", "protest", or "emotional response" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Temper tantrum" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific type of emotional display characterized by uncontrolled anger and frustration. The Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "temper tantrum" is a common noun phrase used to describe an outburst of anger or frustration, often associated with immaturity or a loss of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context. Overusing it in formal settings can be inappropriate; alternatives like "emotional outburst" or "expression of frustration" may be more suitable. When writing, remember that "temper tantrum" carries a specific connotation of childishness, so use it judiciously to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angry outburst

This highlights the anger aspect but is less specific than the original phrase.

meltdown

This alternative emphasizes the loss of control and overwhelming nature of the emotional display.

fit of rage

This suggests a more intense and uncontrolled burst of anger.

outburst of fury

Indicates a sudden and intense expression of anger.

emotional outburst

This alternative broadens the scope to any strong display of emotion, not just anger.

uncontrolled frustration

This focuses on the underlying emotion rather than the outward display.

flare-up

Suggests a sudden and brief eruption of anger or frustration.

emotional storm

Implies a turbulent and overwhelming display of emotion.

display of petulance

This implies a sulky and bad-tempered behavior.

bout of pique

This suggests a milder, often childish display of annoyance.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar situation using more formal language than "temper tantrum"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "outburst of anger", "display of frustration", or "emotional response". The choice depends on the specific situation and the level of formality required. For example, instead of saying "The CEO threw a temper tantrum", you might say "The CEO expressed strong disapproval".

What are some less intense alternatives to "temper tantrum"?

If you want to describe a milder display of frustration, you could use phrases like "bout of pique" or "display of petulance". These suggest a less overwhelming and more controlled emotional reaction.

Is "temper tantrum" appropriate for describing an adult's behavior?

While "temper tantrum" is most commonly associated with children, it can be used to describe an adult's behavior if they are acting immaturely or irrationally. However, be mindful of the potential for judgment and consider alternative phrases if a more neutral description is desired.

How to use "temper tantrum" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "temper tantrum" in a sentence to describe a specific instance of uncontrolled anger or frustration. For example: "The child had a temper tantrum in the store because he didn't get the toy he wanted". You can also use it more figuratively to describe situations that resemble a childish outburst.