There it is again—that bubbling sensation in your chest when things don’t go your way. You’re about to say, “I’m angry,” but you stop and think. Are you really angry, or are you, perhaps, mad?
We all have times when our feelings get stirred up, and we’re filled with strong emotions that we need to put a name to. But what are those feelings? Is it a burst of anger, or something longer lasting like being mad?
Let’s look closer and figure out the difference between being mad and angry. That way, the next time that warmth starts up in your belly, you’ll know just what to call it.
Emotions are complex, and the words we use to describe them are nuanced. “Mad” and “angry” are two terms that describe emotional states related to displeasure and annoyance.
Mad
The word “mad” has a long history, dating back to the Old English ‘gemǣded,’ which meant to be out of one’s mind or insane. Over time, the term evolved to include the sense of anger, but it often implies a lesser degree of control over one’s emotions.
- Dictionary definition: Carried away by intense anger; very angry. This term can also mean mentally disturbed or insane.
- Emotional context: In addition to anger, “mad” may imply a loss of control or rationality. In some contexts, it can denote a more pervasive state of frustration or upset.
Angry
Coming from the Old Norse word “angr,” meaning grief, and the Old English word “angry,” meaning painful, the term has always been associated with a sense of irritation or displeasure.
- Dictionary definition: Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
- Emotional context: Anger is often a reaction to a specific event or situation that can be articulated and is typically addressed through constructive expression or action.
What Are the Similarities?
Rooted in Displeasure
- Both mad and angry stem from a sense of displeasure or frustration. They are reactions to events or conditions that are viewed as wrong, unfair, or irritating.
Motivated by a Desire for Change
- Mad and angry emotions often drive individuals to want to change the situation that has caused these feelings. They can be catalysts for taking action, standing up for oneself, or seeking justice.
Commonly Expressed Verbally
- People often express that they are mad or angry through words, whether it’s by stating “I am mad/angry” or through other verbal cues such as tone of voice, volume, and word choice.
Social and Cultural Recognition
- Across various societies and cultures, being “mad” and “angry” are universally recognized emotions. They are part of the human experience, and these terms have common understandings.
What Are the Differences?
| Mad | Angry |
|---|---|
| Higher, might suggest uncontrolled fury. | Strong, yet often controlled and targeted. |
| Can include aggressive or unpredictable behaviors. | Commonly involves a firm, direct expression. |
| May imply insanity or intense irritation; broader use. | Specifically denotes feelings of displeasure or hostility. |
| Suggests a longer-lasting emotional state. | Typically transient, linked to a specific incident. |
| Potentially more negative, can indicate a lack of control. | Considered a reasonable emotional response. |
Intensity of Emotion
- When someone is angry, you can expect a frank expression of their feelings. They may raise their voice or need some time alone, but they’re usually in control.
- However, when a person is described as mad, their expression of emotion might be more explosive. They could shout, throw things, or act out in a way that’s harder to predict.
Expression of Emotion
- When someone is angry, you can expect a frank expression of their feelings. They may raise their voice or need some time alone, but they’re usually in control.
- However, when a person is described as mad, their expression of emotion might be more explosive. They could shout, throw things, or act out in a way that’s harder to predict.
Duration of Emotion
- Being angry is often a momentary feeling. It comes, it gets our attention, and then it fades once we’ve dealt with the situation.
- Mad seems to linger longer. It’s not just about one incident; it’s like holding on to a bag of angry feelings that doesn’t easily go away.
Cultural and Regional Usage
- Mad: While “mad” is often used to convey intense anger in American English, in British English and other regions, it might commonly mean “crazy” or “insane.” This dual meaning can create confusion if not used with an understanding of the cultural context.
- Angry: The term “angry” is universally recognized and understood. It translates across different cultures and languages with a consistent meaning related to annoyance, displeasure, or antagonism.
How to Label Your Emotions Better
Being self-aware about our emotions isn’t always easy. Sometimes, feelings of anger come quickly and intensely, other times, annoyance creeps up on us until we can’t ignore it anymore.
But being able to accurately identify whether we are feeling ‘mad’ or ‘angry’ is a vital step towards managing our reactions and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Reflect on the cause: What sparked the emotion? Was it a single event or a series of events?
- Consider the intensity: How strong is the emotion? Is it a fleeting irritability or something more profound?
- Assess your reaction: How are you expressing this emotion? Are you able to control your reaction, or is it overwhelming?
- Examine the duration: Is this a temporary feeling based on a current situation, or has it been building up over time?
- Look for patterns: Do you often feel this way? Can you identify any recurring triggers or themes?
Self-Assessment Strategy
- When feeling upset, stop and ask yourself, “What exactly am I feeling?”
- Use descriptive words: Am I irritated, annoyed, enraged, or resentful?
- Consider the cause: Is this a one-time incident, or is it part of an ongoing situation?
- Pay attention to your body. Are your muscles tense? Is your breathing fast? Physical cues can help distinguish between mild irritation and more intense anger.
- What’s running through your mind? Thoughts can escalate an emotion. If there’s a persistent, negative inner dialogue, you might be more than just mad.
Tips on Emotional Regulation
- Take a timeout: If you feel overwhelmed, step away from the situation to cool down.
- Controlled Breathing: Practice breathing exercises to reduce the physical symptoms of anger, such as a racing heart.
- Pause Before Reacting: Give yourself a moment before responding to a provocation. This can prevent an impulsive reaction you might regret later.
- Find an Outlet: Channel intense emotions into physical activity, creative expression, or talking it out with someone you trust.
- Set Boundaries: Know when to step away from a situation or person that consistently triggers your anger. Taking a break can be beneficial for both parties.
Takeaways
Coming to the end of this talk, just remember, everybody gets ticked off or annoyed every now and then.
When you feel yourself getting worked up, ask yourself what’s really going on. Is it something small that got you upset or a bigger problem? Figuring that out is the first step to feeling better. And talking it out with others is always a good move.
In the end, it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions. Every feeling is part of life, and when we respect each other, it adds to the story of who we are.
