The phrase "get dander up" means to become angry or agitated. The word "dander" is often spelled as "dandruff" in some dialects. It comes from the Middle English word "dandur", which means "itchy skin flakes". The correct pronunciation of dander in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is /ˈdændər/. The phrase can also be spelled as "get one's dandruff up". It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation of words to avoid confusion or miscommunication.
The phrase "get dander up" is an idiomatic expression that is primarily used in informal contexts. It refers to the act of becoming angry, agitated, or irritated due to something that has provoked or upset an individual. The phrase is often used to describe a sudden surge of emotional response or an intense feeling of irritation towards a specific situation.
The term "dander" in this context refers to an individual's temper or anger. It signifies the emotional state of a person who is provoked or annoyed. When one's dander is up, it suggests that their level of agitation has intensified, leading to a heightened emotional reaction.
The phrase is commonly attributed to the process of a cat's hair standing on end when it is angry or threatened, which is colloquially referred to as "getting its dander up." This reference implies that the individual's emotional state has escalated to a point where their anger or irritation is visibly apparent, similar to the way a cat's fur may stand on end.
Overall, "get dander up" is a figurative expression used to describe the state of being visibly angry or irritated due to a particular trigger or provocation. It emphasizes the sudden surge of emotional response and suggests a heightened level of agitation.