“地道英语”：In a tizzy 慌里慌张，大惊小怪

So the expression we're learning in this program is in a tizzy.

What does it mean to be in a tizzy?

Well, I actually used this the other day.

My sister was getting stressed because she lost her house keys.

I said to her, "Don't get yourself in a tizzy.

I saw you with them yesterday.

They'll be in the house." In the UK, it's also common to say in a tiz.

Right.

So if you're in a tizzy, it means you're in a state of panic or confusion.

So when you said to your sister, "Don't get yourself in a tizzy," it's like saying, "Don't worry."

Yes, exactly.

But when you're in a tizzy, it's usually over something minor, and the reaction is often bigger than the problem requires.

I'm quite a calm person, so I don't often get myself in a tizzy.

What gets you in a tiz, Feifei?

Well, in the morning, if I miss my train and then I'm late for work, that gets me in a tiz.

Okay, Georgie, time for some more examples.

[upbeat music] I got myself in a right tizzy yesterday when my crush didn't respond to my text.

Turns out they were just busy with work.

I lost my friends at a concert.

I was in a right tizzy, but then I saw them dancing at the edge of the crowd.

I got myself in a tizzy when I thought I would fail the driving test, but when we got out of the car, the examiner told me that I passed.

[upbeat music] You are listening to the BBC English teaching production of the authentic English program.

In this episode, we are learning how to express in a tizzy.

In a tizzy, or as the British often say, in a tiz, is commonly used to describe someone who is slightly panicked, anxious, shocked, or excited to the point of losing their usual composure.

And the reason for this reaction is often not a big deal.