The term "gat in lather" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who is in a state of excitement or agitation. The spelling of the word "gat" in this context is an informal and dialectical variation of the word "got." It is pronounced as /gæt/ in the International Phonetics Alphabet (IPA). Meanwhile, "lather" refers to a frothy mixture of soap and water used for washing, and it is pronounced as /ˈlæð.ər/. Together, these words mean a state of being overcome with emotion or stressed.
"Gat in lather" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the United Kingdom. The phrase is used to describe a person who is extremely angry or agitated, often to the point of being in a state of intense agitation or anxiety. When someone is "gat in lather," it means they have become furious or vexed, and they may be visibly worked up or highly emotional.
The word "gat" in this context refers to being equipped with a firearm, particularly a handgun or revolver, which historically used to be known as a "gat" in colloquial language. The term "lather" refers to a state of intense physical exertion or sweating, such as the foam or sweat produced during vigorous physical activity. Therefore, the phrase figuratively suggests that the person has become so angry or agitated that they are metaphorically "steaming" or "frothing at the mouth," similar to the foam one might see from a horse that has been ridden hard.
The phrase "gat in lather" is often used to emphasize the level of anger or agitation someone is experiencing. It can also suggest that the person is on the verge of losing control or behaving impulsively. This expression is primarily used in informal or colloquial language, particularly in British English, to describe someone who is extremely angry, worked up, and potentially unpredictable in their reactions.