paddywhack

A farmer works in a paddywhack under the bright sun.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fit of temper or rage: "paddywhack" is an informal term referring to a sudden, violent outburst of anger or a tantrum.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He threw a real paddywhack when he couldn't find his keys. (He had a sudden, angry outburst.)
  • The child's paddywhack over a broken toy lasted for hours. (The child's tantrum about a broken toy continued for a long time.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a paddywhack": to experience a fit of rage or temper.

  • She had a paddywhack after receiving the bad news. (She became very angry suddenly.)

• "to go into a paddywhack": to become extremely angry, often in an uncontrolled way.

  • The coach went into a paddywhack when the team lost the match. (The coach became furious and lost his composure.)

Variants and Related Words

• Paddy (n): a slang term for an Irish person (dated, potentially offensive); also a slang term for a fit of temper.
  • He got into a paddy over the smallest mistake. (He became angry over a minor error.)

Synonyms

• Tantrum: a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger, especially in a child.
• Rage: intense, violent anger.
• Fury: extreme, often uncontrollable anger.

Idioms

• "to fly into a paddywhack": to suddenly become very angry.
  • He flew into a paddywhack when he heard the news. (He became violently angry in an instant.)

Etymology Note

The term "paddywhack" likely originates from Irish slang, where "Paddy" is a stereotypical name for an Irish person (from Patrick), and "whack" suggests a sudden blow or outburst. It is considered informal and may carry cultural connotations.