"Bent out of shape" basically means to be angry or annoyed, but would you agree that it is commonly used in situations where the anger is unnecessary, inappropriate or out of proportion?
There are exceptions, I would say, but the expression seems to be most common in those kind of situtations. Do other people feel that "bent out of shape" carries this inference? Thanks much!
2006-09-20 15:10:07 · 7 answers · asked by angelicatokyo 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
So if I say someone is "bent out of shape over" something, I am usually saying that they are unnecessarily angry about something, or that their anger is inappropriate or out of proportion to the situtation?
2006-09-20 15:29:17 · update #1
The expression "bent out of shape" means that someone is having a tough time emotionally, and just needs to take it easy for a little while. Yes, it is defintely used when it is unecessary sometimes.
2006-09-20 15:14:50 · answer #1 · answered by musicgirl152 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well here in the south it is consistently used for the most trivial of things. I agree with you that it is used unecessarily. Anger is a real emotion and so long as it is being expressed in a healthy way, I say that the person feeling it is entitled to express it. I know when I get upset or angry and I hear that phrase used to describe me, it only upsets me more.
2006-09-20 15:22:43 · answer #2 · answered by someone s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost exclusively it does, "He got all bent out of shape" and "Don't get all bent out of shape about it" does indicate that the anger is somewhat overblown. It has the same condescending connotations as "He really got his shorts in a knot" or "don't go getting your panties in a bundle". It implies that you are letting something get the best of you.
Thanks for the question. This was fun to answer.
2006-09-20 15:22:43 · answer #3 · answered by j g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A children we used to get this refrain or to get out of shape in certain private parts, if involved in mischief and sop any outward reaction to get angry and annoyed beyond certain point leads one to get bent out of shape. Everything boils down (again) to children and sex, you know.
2006-09-20 17:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by seshu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never really thought about it but you're right, the phrase is definitely more common when the anger or annoyance is perceived to be unnecessary.
2006-09-20 15:27:48 · answer #5 · answered by Arturo Amante 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Caroline
2006-09-20 15:16:11 · answer #6 · answered by DK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thawt it was superceeded with 'Don't git yer panties in a bunch'!
;-)
2006-09-20 15:22:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋