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spit the dummy

phrase, idiomInformal

A Australian English slang term. Browse all Australian slang.

What it means

  1. To lose one's temper in a disproportionate, childish way.

Literally: To spit out the pacifier.

In use

  • He completely spat the dummy when they changed the roster.

  • No need to spit the dummy over it.

Where it comes from

A dummy is a baby's pacifier. The image is exact: an infant flinging it out of the pram in fury. The phrase always implies the reaction was out of proportion.