Mohammad
What are some examples of compound words where "happy" is hyphenated and used to indicate being inclined to use something excessively or at random? Thank you.
Jul 16, 2021 12:08 AM
Answers · 2
1
There aren't really that many that English speakers use on a regular basis. Perhaps the only one still commonly used would be "trigger-happy," meant to imply that someone is inclined to shoot a firearm indiscriminately (or, by extension, to harm others indiscriminately in a way that simulates shooting a fire arm, e.g., speaking accusations against someone). An outdated compound word that is still sometimes use, particularly by older people, is "slaphappy," though this word is not hyphenated. The word is used to describe someone who is perceived to be happier than normal, one who is behaving erratically or oddly because of their happiness, or one who is suddenly overjoyed because of a significantly good or bad event (e.g., winning the lottery, nearly escaping death, etc.).
July 16, 2021
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