Spitting Feathers? What do you think it means?

[erikbloodaxe]

I was just reading an article where someone used 'Spitting feathers' to mean they were angry. Now I've only ever used the term/ heard the term in meaning I'm thirsty.

I'm in my 50's and now wonder when/if the meaning changed.

What does it mean to you, Angry or Thirsty and how old are you?

Thirsty definitely. Remember my Nan saying it when she wanted a brew. I'm north west and not far from north wales

I've only ever known it to mean very angry. I'm in my 40s. Interesting that the meaning seems to have changed.

Angry

Thirsty

Angry

Angry along with spitting pips.

Thirsty. Never heard it in the angry context.

Thirsty

Haven't used or heard the expresson in my family. But, I have heard of my Nana plucking hens and drying the feathers outdoors on a sheet on a sunny still day for use in pillows and am now imagining a mouth full of down feathers if a breeze got up during the process. Both meanings would then seem appropriate.

Angry, late 20s. Never heard it used to mean thirsty.

is it regional?

i only associate it with anger (Scottish)

Thirsty. Never heard it to mean angry!

100% thirsty. Spitting tacks is angry.

Angry, I'm mid 50s, never heard it mean thirsty

Forties in Midlands.

Only heard it used to mean thirsty!

Angry. 40's and Scottish

Angry. I’m nearly 50

Thirsty...I'm 28

I’ve only ever know it mean thirsty!
the other half says he has a mouth like ghandis slipper when he’s thirsty, always makes me laugh.

Thirsty .I'm in my 70s .

Angry. I'm 50s from SE.

Definitely angry

Angry. Never heard it to mean thirsty.
50s (Midlands)

Angry but also use spitting tacks for angry. Interesting one (Midlands)

I used the phrase ‘she’s got tickets on herself’ in front of two friends and they had absolutely no idea what I was talking about!

Early 50s, north west, thirsty. I’ve a southern friend who uses it for angry and it always confuses me!!