Conniption fit

Posted by R. Berg on July 05, 2005

In Reply to: Kanipshin fit posted by al on July 05, 2005

: : : What is the meaning and origin of " kanipshin fit ".

: : From dictionary.com:
: : con·nip·tion
: : n. Informal
: : A fit of violent emotion, such as anger or panic. Also called conniption fit.

: : [Origin unknown.]

: Which is more serious a conniption fit or a hissy fit?

To my mind (other minds may differ), the two are similar, and a conniption fit is more serious. Hissy fits are more showy and superficial. We call an outburst a hissy fit if it's way out of proportion to what occasioned it.