Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    Why is losing one's temper sometimes called 'Having a barney'?

    Question #34919. Asked by gmackematix. (Jun 05 03 12:20 PM)


    Stew

    		I've only ever heard the expression 'having a barney' in the sense of having an argument or a fight. I've heard it suggested that this is rhyming slang (Barney Rubble - trouble) but I think the expression is older than the Flintstones.

    Are you thinking of the expression 'having a paddy', meaning having an uncontrolled temper tantrum? I don't know the origin of that one, though I suspect it could be an English slur on the Irish.

    Jun 05 03, 12:37 PM
    gmackematix

    		No, I meant the 'barney' one but thanks for correcting my definition. It was just a lapse in thought on my part.

    Jun 05 03, 12:55 PM
    Stew

    		I tried a couple of the slang dictionaries turned up by googling. Some favour the Barney Rubble/Trouble rhyming derivation, but one site which tries to come up with wider possibilities is this one:
    http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/13/messages/932.html


    Jun 05 03, 1:20 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    What longshoreman turned author called his unhappy 1967 look at America "The Temper of Our Times"?

    What ever happend to Barney Google in the comic strip "Barney Google and Snuffy Smith"?

    I have red hair. Does that mean I have a bad temper?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 "Barney's Uniform"
    This quiz is about the fifth season episode where a tough guy threatens to harm Barney when he catches him not wearing his uniform.
    		Andy Griffith Show: Seasons/ Episodes Average
    10 Q
    Squidwarddd
    Mar 05 09
    915 plays
    2 "Barney" Mania
    This quiz is about Barney the lovable dinosaur. So, take this quiz and see how much you know about that dinosaur we all know and love. This is an all multiple choice quiz. GOOD LUCK! If you need help grab your mom or dad.
    		Barney Average
    10 Q
    sapphire941984
    Dec 11 01
    3858 plays
    3 "Barney Miller" 101
    This is my first quiz submission. It is about my favorite situation comedy. If you've watched the show much at all, most of the questions should be fairly simple. However, a few of them may get you. Enjoy!
    		Barney Miller Average
    10 Q
    Garganthas
    May 07 08
    1725 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.