What does “Mad as a wet hen” mean?
"Mad as a wet hen" means being extremely angry or furious.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
When I told her I accidentally broke her favorite vase, she was mad as a wet hen.
When I told her I accidentally broke her favorite vase, she was mad as a wet hen.
Example
He was mad as a wet hen when he found out someone had eaten his leftovers.
He was mad as a wet hen when he found out someone had eaten his leftovers.
Example
She was mad as a wet hen when she saw her car had been scratched
She was mad as a wet hen when she saw her car had been scratched
Is “Mad as a wet hen” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Mad as a wet hen” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Mad as a wet hen” effectively in context?
You can use "Mad as a wet hen" to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious. It emphasizes the intensity of their anger. For example, if your friend is furious because someone ate their leftovers, you might say, 'He was mad as a wet hen when he found out someone had eaten his leftovers.'
- 1Personal Relationships
When I told her I accidentally broke her favorite vase, she was mad as a wet hen.
When I told her I accidentally broke her favorite vase, she was mad as a wet hen.
- 2Possessions
He was mad as a wet hen when he found out someone had eaten his leftovers.
He was mad as a wet hen when he found out someone had eaten his leftovers.
- 3Property Damage
She was mad as a wet hen when she saw her car had been scratched.
She was mad as a wet hen when she saw her car had been scratched.
Similar phrases to “Mad as a wet hen”:
Extremely angry or enraged
Example
He was furious when he discovered the mistake.
He was furious when he discovered the mistake.
Extremely angry or furious
Example
She was livid when she heard the news.
She was livid when she heard the news.
Extremely angry or incensed
Example
The customer was enraged by the poor service.
The customer was enraged by the poor service.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Mad as a wet hen” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Mad as a wet hen" is unknown.
Is “Mad as a wet hen” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Mad as a wet hen" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to vividly express someone's extreme anger or fury.
What tone does “Mad as a wet hen” have?
"Mad as a wet hen" conveys a tone of intense anger or fury. It's often used to emphasize the level of someone's emotional reaction.
Can “Mad as a wet hen” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Mad as a wet hen" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that vividly describes extreme anger. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When she found out, she was mad as a wet hen.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She was "mad as a wet hen"!' to describe someone's anger.
