The phrase "gotten dander up" means to become angry or agitated. The word "gotten" is the past participle of "get" and is pronounced /ˈɡɑːtən/ in IPA phonetics. "Dander" refers to loose skin flakes that can trigger allergies in humans and is pronounced /ˈdændər/. The phrase itself is an idiom and does not have a direct relation to the spelling of its constituent words. It is believed to have originated from American Southern dialects.
The phrase "gotten dander up" refers to an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone becomes agitated, angered, or provoked by something or someone. It conveys a state of irritation or frustration that leads to a heightened emotional response. The term "dander" in this context does not refer to actual dandruff but rather symbolizes a person's anger or annoyance.
When someone's "dander is up," they are highly moved or provoked by a certain event, statement, action, or situation. It implies that the individual has reached a point where their emotions are escalated enough to no longer remain calm or composed. The origins of the phrase can be traced back to an older meaning of "dander" as something that flies around when a person is in an agitated state, similar to dust or small particles.
The phrase "gotten dander up" can be used in various contexts, including personal conversations, literature, or media, to describe a person's emotional escalation or disposition towards displeasure, often due to a perceived offense or disagreement. It signifies the individual's readiness to confront, argue, or retaliate in response to the situation that has provoked them. Therefore, when someone's "gotten their dander up," it indicates that they have become highly irritated or angered and are no longer willing to tolerate the offending circumstance or behavior.