Hackles Meaning in English
word · lemma: hackle
Definition
'Hackles' are the hairs along the back of an animal, especially a dog or cat, that rise up when it is angry or frightened. The term is also used metaphorically to talk about a person becoming irritated or angry.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in contexts with animals, especially dogs and cats. In people, expressions like 'raise one's hackles' or 'make someone's hackles rise' are common and mean to irritate or anger. Rarely used outside these phrases.
Example Sentences
When the dog saw a stranger, its hackles stood up.
basic
His rude comment made my hackles rise.
basic
The cat’s hackles were up because it was frightened.
basic
Just hearing his voice is enough to raise my hackles.
natural
Whenever they argue about politics, everyone’s hackles go up.
natural
The sight of the barking dog made her hackles rise instantly.
natural