"Hopping mad" is an idiomatic expression that means extremely angry or furious. The word "hopping" is spelled with a double "p" to indicate a short vowel sound followed by a consonant. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be /ˈhɒpɪŋ/, with the symbol "ɒ" representing the short "o" vowel sound. "Mad" is spelled with a single "d" at the end because it is pronounced with a voiced consonant sound. Its IPA transcription is /mæd/. Together, the two words create an exaggerated image of someone who is so angry they are hopping around in rage.
"Hopping mad" is an informal idiom used to describe a state of extreme anger or agitation. It conveys a level of fury so intense that it is likened to a person jumping or hopping in anger. This phrase is often used in colloquial English to express overwhelming frustration or annoyance.
When someone is described as "hopping mad," it implies that they are very angry or irate, possibly to the point of losing control of their emotions. The term suggests a high level of agitation, likely accompanied by visible signs of anger such as raised voices, clenched fists, or pacing back and forth. The mental image evoked by this expression emphasizes the intensity and active nature of the anger.
The phrase "hopping mad" originated in the mid-19th century, and over time, it has become a widely recognized and colorful way to describe someone who is extremely enraged. It is commonly used in informal conversations, literature, and even in some comedic contexts to vividly depict strong anger or frustration.
In summary, "hopping mad" is an idiomatic phrase used to convey someone's extreme anger or agitation. It showcases an individual’s furious state to such an extent that it invokes the image of them hopping or jumping in anger due to their intense emotional reactions.
The phrase "hopping mad" originated in the early 19th century and is primarily used in British English. The origins of the word "hopping" are not entirely clear, but it likely derived from the sense of jumping or bouncing with anger. "Mad" in this context means to be extremely angry or furious. The combination of "hopping" and "mad" emphasizes the intensity of the anger, suggesting a state of agitation or fury that is so strong it provokes physical movement, as though the person is figuratively hopping in anger.