What does 'high dudgeon' mean in common language?

'High dudgeon' means a state of great displeasure, resentment, or indignation. It implies a strong feeling of anger or annoyance, often righteous anger.

Why is 'high dudgeon' a common crossword clue?

It's a common clue because it's a distinctive idiom with several synonyms for anger or indignation that vary in length, providing setters with flexible options like IRE, RAGE, ANGER, or INDIGNATION, which are frequent crossword answers themselves.

Are there other phrases similar to 'high dudgeon'?

Yes, similar phrases include 'in a huff,' 'in a fit of pique,' 'in a towering rage,' or 'bristling with indignation.' All these denote a strong state of anger or irritation.

high dudgeon crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "high dudgeon", ensuring you can complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "high dudgeon crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

IRE: A feeling of intense anger or wrath, often associated with a state of high dudgeon.

4 Letters

RAGE: Violent, uncontrollable anger, fitting the intensity of 'high dudgeon'.

FURY: Wild or violent anger, another strong synonym for the clue.

5 Letters

ANGER: A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility, a core component of 'high dudgeon'.

WRATH: Extreme anger; fierce indignation, capturing the severity implied by 'high dudgeon'.

7 Letters

OUTRAGE: Extreme anger and indignation, especially at an act of cruelty or injustice, closely aligning with 'high dudgeon'.

10 Letters

RESENTMENT: Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly, a deep form of displeasure.

11 Letters

INDIGNATION: Anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment, the precise meaning of 'high dudgeon'.

More About "high dudgeon crossword clue"

"High dudgeon" is an idiomatic expression that describes a state of intense anger, resentment, or indignation. When someone is "in high dudgeon," they are deeply offended and openly displeased, often with a sense of righteous anger. The term is quite evocative, painting a picture of someone who is not just mildly annoyed but genuinely furious or greatly affronted by something they perceive as unjust or insulting.

The word "dudgeon" itself, deriving possibly from a root meaning "to take ill," specifically refers to a fit of ill humor or resentment. The addition of "high" amplifies this feeling, indicating a severe or heightened state of displeasure. Understanding this nuance is key to solving crossword clues that involve emotional states, as setters often look for precise synonyms that capture the intensity or specific nature of the feeling.

This phrase is particularly popular in literature and formal speech, lending itself well to crossword puzzles due to its slightly archaic yet widely understood meaning. Recognizing it allows solvers to quickly narrow down potential answers to words like 'anger,' 'wrath,' 'outrage,' or 'indignation,' depending on the letter count needed for the puzzle.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "high dudgeon," pay close attention to the intensity of the emotion described. Words like 'ire' or 'rage' are stronger than mere 'annoyance.'
Consider Idioms: Many crossword clues use idiomatic expressions. If a clue sounds like a common saying, try to recall its meaning and then think of single-word synonyms for that meaning.
Letter Count is King: Always start by noting the exact number of letters required. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your thought process towards appropriately sized words.
Check for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords frequently rely on direct synonyms or, less often, antonyms. Brainstorm related words once you understand the core meaning of the clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the phrase "high dudgeon"?

The origin of "dudgeon" is somewhat uncertain, but it has been used since the 16th century to mean a "fit of resentment" or "ill-humor." The addition of "high" emphasizes the intensity of this feeling, creating a strong idiom for intense indignation.

How can I differentiate between similar emotional crossword clues?

Focus on prefixes and adjectives that modify the emotion (like "high" in "high dudgeon"). These often indicate intensity, duration, or a specific type of emotion. For example, 'mild anger' would have different answers than 'seething anger'.

Are crossword answers for emotional states always single words?

While often single words, sometimes a crossword answer can be a short phrase (e.g., "SEE RED" for anger). Always consider multi-word answers if single-word synonyms aren't fitting the letter count, especially if the clue is an idiom.