Etymology Journal ยท M
Mad as a hornet
Meaning
- Someone who is intensely angry or agitated. It implies a volatile state where the person might lash out if provoked.
Fiery, expressive
Used in a sentence
- She was mad as a hornet when I forgot our anniversary.
- Don't go in there, the boss is mad as a hornet today.
- He was mad as a hornet after they towed his truck.
The backstory
Hornets are known for being highly territorial and aggressive if their nest is disturbed. Comparing an angry person to a hornet is a natural fit in rural areas.
Heard in
The South
Vibe check