spit the dummy
phrase · casual
To suddenly get very angry or upset, like a child.
How Aussies use it
- He spat the dummy when his flight was cancelled.
- Don't spit the dummy, we can fix it.
How to pronounce ‘spit the dummy’
Say it like this: spit thuh DUM-ee
‘spit the dummy’ in a conversation
Raj: How did the meeting go?
Nina: The client spat the dummy about the price, but we calmed things down.
Good to know
A 'dummy' is what Australians call a baby's pacifier, so the picture is a baby throwing it out in anger.
Where you'll hear ‘spit the dummy’
You'll hear 'spit the dummy' when people describe someone who suddenly gets angry or upset about something small. It's common in sport, at work and with families, often in stories: 'He totally spat the dummy.'
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone says you spat the dummy, they think you overreacted, so you could say 'Fair enough, I got a bit upset.' Use it to describe other people's tantrums in a light way.
More examples
- The coach spat the dummy when the referee made a bad call.
- My toddler spat the dummy because his banana broke.
- Try not to spit the dummy if the train is late again.
A common mistake
It describes a sudden angry reaction. It has nothing to do with actually spitting.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use lose your temper instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
He ___ ___ ___ when he lost the game and threw his cards on the floor.
Show the answer
spat the dummy
Quick check
What does ‘spit the dummy’ mean?
- Great, fine, no problem.
- To suddenly get very angry or upset, like a child.
- A vegetarian. As an adjective, vegetarian.
Show the answer
B. To suddenly get very angry or upset, like a child.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'spit the dummy' mean in Australia?
To suddenly get very angry or upset, like a child. A 'dummy' is what Australians call a baby's pacifier, so the picture is a baby throwing it out in anger.
Can I say 'spit the dummy' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'spit the dummy' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'spit the dummy'?
Say it like this: spit thuh DUM-ee. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'spit the dummy'?
You'll hear 'spit the dummy' when people describe someone who suddenly gets angry or upset about something small. It's common in sport, at work and with families, often in stories: 'He totally spat the dummy.'