The phrase "are beside oneself" is commonly used to describe being overwhelmed with emotion. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription: /ɑr bɪˈsaɪd ˌsɛlf/ . The "a" sound is pronounced as in "car," while "i" is pronounced as in "pin." The stress is on the second syllable, and the final "f" sound is spelled "lf" because it follows a vowel. Thus, when describing intense feelings, one might say, "I am beside myself with anger."
The phrase "to be beside oneself" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a state of extreme emotional turmoil or astonishment. When someone is described as being beside themselves, it means they are overwhelmed to the point of losing control over their thoughts and feelings.
Being beside oneself is often characterized by intense anger, shock, confusion, or even joy. This state of mind goes beyond ordinary emotional reactions and manifests as a disruptively heightened mental state. In such a situation, a person may exhibit behaviors that are out of character, such as becoming excessively loud, aggressive, or even hysterical. Their emotions may seem to consume them, pushing their reasoning and rationality to the side.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who believed that the human psyche was composed of multiple parts. The phrase "beside oneself" metaphorically refers to the idea that one's emotions are so overwhelming that they are separated from their normal, composed state.
In summary, when someone is described as being beside themselves, it means they are in a state of extreme emotional turmoil that results in irrational behavior or an inability to control their emotions. This phrase captures the notion of being mentally separated from one's usual self due to the intensity of their emotions.