Definition

Noun: A persisting angry mood; a habitual or easily provoked state of irritability and anger.

Usage

The term "bad temper" is used to describe a person's characteristic disposition of being frequently or easily angered. It refers to a lasting trait, not a temporary emotional state. It is often used in a critical or descriptive manner.

Examples

• He is known for his bad temper, so people are careful when speaking to him.
• Her constant bad temper makes the office environment very tense.
• The manager's bad temper is a significant problem for the team's morale.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a bad temper": This is the most common construction, indicating possession of this characteristic trait.
  • It's widely known that the chef has a bad temper in the kitchen.
• "in a bad temper": This phrase describes someone who is currently exhibiting this angry mood.
  • Be careful; he's in a bad temper today.

Variants and Related Words

• Ill temper (n): A direct synonym for "bad temper."
• Short temper (n): Specifically implies a tendency to become angry very quickly.
• Quick temper (n): Similar to "short temper," emphasizing rapid onset of anger.
• Hot temper (n): Suggests intense, fiery anger.
• Temperamental (adj): Prone to erratic changes of mood, which can include anger.
• Irascibility (n): The quality of being easily angered.

Synonyms

• Irritability
• Crossness
• Peevishness
• Cantankerousness
• Churlishness

Antonyms

• Good humor
• Cheerfulness
• Amiability
• Patience
• Equanimity

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "To fly off the handle": To suddenly become very angry (an action resulting from a bad temper).
  • He flew off the handle when he saw the mistake.
• "To have a short fuse": To be easily angered (a metaphor related to a bad temper).
  • Don't joke about that; she has a very short fuse.
• "To lose one's temper": To become angry (the act triggered by the underlying bad temper).
  • Despite his bad temper, he managed not to lose his temper during the meeting.

Noun

1. a persisting angry mood