What does "Mad as a cut snake" mean?
It means very angry. It can also mean wild or a bit crazy, in a fun way. The story around it tells you which one.
Hear an Aussie say it
The saying
Mad as a cut snake
Example
He was mad as a cut snake when he saw the bill.
How Aussies use it
In a car park
Nina: Did you see that driver yelling at the parking officer?
Luca: Yeah, he was mad as a cut snake about the fine.
Here it means very angry.
After a wedding
Kate: Your uncle danced on the table at the wedding!
Ben: Ha, he's mad as a cut snake, that one. Everyone loves him.
Here it means wild and a bit crazy, in a fun way.
At work
Hana: How did the manager take the news?
Omar: Mad as a cut snake. Give her an hour before you ask about leave.
How to reply
- "Yikes. Glad I wasn't there." When the story is about someone angry.
- "Ha, sounds about right." When the story is about a wild, fun friend.
When to use it
Use it in a story about someone who was furious, or about someone wild and fun, usually with a laugh afterwards. It is colourful and casual, so it is best with friends.
When not to use it
Avoid it in a complaint, a work report or anything formal. Say "angry" or "upset" instead. Never use the crazy meaning about anyone with a mental health condition.
Where it comes from
The Australian National Dictionary Centre says it has two meanings because mad can mean angry or crazy. The phrase is first recorded in 1900, in the shorter form mad as a snake, which you may still hear.
Source: Australian National Dictionary Centre, ANU: mad as a cut snake
Questions about "Mad as a cut snake"
Does mad as a cut snake mean angry or crazy?
It can mean either. If someone is shouting, it means angry. If someone is doing wild, funny things, it means crazy in a fun way.
Is mad as a cut snake offensive?
Not usually. It is a jokey saying. Just don't use the crazy meaning about someone's mental health.
Are there similar Aussie sayings?
Yes. The Australian National Dictionary Centre lists mad as a meat axe and mad as a gumtree full of galahs. A galah is a noisy pink and grey cockatoo.
