conniption fits
Explosive emotional episodes
Conniption fits are outbursts of agitation, anger, or hysterical emotion—dramatic displays of losing one's composure.
The word conniption appears almost exclusively in this phrase or as conniption alone with the same meaning: My mother will have a conniption fit when she sees this mess.
The expression is informal and often humorous, suggesting the reaction is excessive or theatrical.
- snitFit of pique
- hystericsUncontrollable emotional outburst
- fitProper or healthy
- pitch a fitReact with explosive anger
- blowupSudden fit of rage
outburst · scene · lose one's temper · apoplexy · meltdown · have a cow · tantrum · lose one's cool · hissy fit · throw a fit · blow a gasket · blow a fuse · hit the ceiling · fury · conniptions · attacks · rage · eruptions
conniption fitscalm
Free from agitation
composure · equanimity · serenity · tranquility · poise
conniption fitsmeasured response
Controlled, proportional reply
taking it in stride · keeping one's cool · indifference · nonchalance · shrug