PhrasesHub

Angry young man

    Definitions

      • describe a rebellious or confrontational individual
        Referring to a young man who is filled with anger, frustration, and a sense of injustice, often used to describe a character in literature or film who is fighting against societal norms or authority figures

      • describe a generation of young people who are questioning authority and social norms
        Describing a group of young individuals who are dissatisfied with the status quo and are actively pushing for change and progress, often used to discuss youth movements and activism

      • describe a stereotypical image of a young man with a bad temper
        Depicting a young man who is prone to outbursts of anger and aggression, often used to warn against getting into altercations with such individuals

    Examples of Angry young man

    • John is a real angry young man. He storms out of the room every time his parents suggest something he doesn't like.

      This idiom is used to describe a young person who is fiercely independent, rebellious, and prone to outbursts of anger. The term "angry young man" was coined in the 1950s to describe a group of British writers and playwrights who explored themes of social injustice and rebellion in their work.

    • The company's CEO is an angry young man when it comes to competition. He's always looking for ways to gain an edge over his rivals.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is fiercely competitive and driven to succeed, particularly in a business context.

    • The students in the back of the classroom are turning into angry young men. They've been whispering and passing notes for the past 10 minutes.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a group of people who are becoming increasingly agitated or disruptive, particularly in a classroom or other educational setting.

    • The singer's fans are a passionate and angry young crowd. They scream and shout at every concert.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a group of people who are enthusiastic and passionate, particularly in a musical or entertainment context.

    • The athlete's training regime is that of an angry young man. He pushes himself to the limit every day.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is dedicated and disciplined, particularly in a sports or athletic context.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "angry young man" is typically used to describe a young person who is angry, rebellious, and dissatisfied with the current state of society. It can refer to an individual character or a larger group of individuals who are pushing for change and challenging authority. It can also be used to caution against getting into conflicts with individuals who are known to have a short temper.

    Origin of "Angry young man"

    The phrase "angry young man" originated in the 1950s and was often used to describe a group of British writers and playwrights who rebelled against the traditional conservative values and societal norms of their time. These individuals were known for their gritty and realistic depictions of working-class life and their criticism of the established social order.

    The term gained more widespread usage in the 1960s and 1970s, during a period of social and political upheaval where youth movements and counterculture movements were prevalent. The "angry young man" became a symbol of the frustration and anger felt by many young people towards the older generation and the societal structures that they felt were holding them back.

    Today, the idiom is still used to describe individuals or groups who are challenging the status quo and pushing for change, but it can also be used in a more general sense to describe any young person who is angry, rebellious, and confrontational.