Agita
A Bad Case of the Grrr's
This article on “agita” was first published on January 31, 2014. I was in the midst of an episode and needed relief. So I wrote about it. If you, like me, are from the Southern U.S., you may have never heard this term. But it fits perfectly with the feeling, so read on.
And yes, it’s timely. I’m in the midst of another episode. And with all that’s going on in—and with—the world, you might be, too. I hope this helps. Here’s another article about that.
Agita:
1. heartburn; indigestion.
2. agitation; anxiety.
[1980–85, Amer.; < Italian, <agitare < Latin agitāre agitate]
Agita. I’d never heard the word until a few years ago, when my friend from Long Island introduced me. It perfectly describes what I’m feeling today, a deep level of unease. Dis-ease. A teeth-gritting, muscle-clenching day when everything and everyone gets on your last nerve.
Of course, I know it’s not them. It’s me.
Upon googling the word, I found this excerpt from an article by David Giacalone. The highlights were supplied by me.
“...I discovered a fuller and fun discussion of agita at The Word Detective, which includes: You won’t find “agita” in most dictionaries, although it is a quintessential Italian-American slang word. Strictly speaking, “agita” is a stomach upset or heartburn. But “agita” can also mean that special kind of existential dyspepsia of the soul you get when absolutely everything goes wrong. Comedian Jackie Mason has explained “agita” as “when you have been aggravated to the point where it feels like you have a serious migraine headache throughout your whole body.” “Agita” is thus more or less the Italian-American equivalent of the Yiddish “tsuris” (” misery”), an equation not lost on Woody Allen, who made a song about “agita” the centerpiece of his 1984 film “Broadway Danny Rose.” ~ David Giacalone
Strange word, agita. One that you don’t hear growing up in the South. But it’s one of “Those Words.” Once you know it and experience the feeling, you think, “Yeah. Exactly. Agita.”
So like it or not, I’ve got the grrr’s. Could it be the fallout from Flurryopollis or whatever Jon Stewart called it? Seeing nothing but white for three days running? Being on high alert for thirty hours, watching Facebook’s newsfeed, praying for family, friends, clients, and others’ loved ones to make it home safely?
Or maybe it’s the inner manifestation of an itchy rash I’ve developed from a new sensitivity to latex and spandex. Which, by the way, is in every bra ever manufactured, including the camisoles to which I’d resorted.
Whatever the cause, the best thing to do with a person afflicted with agita is: RUN. Or duck. But for heaven’s sake, don’t try to fix or understand it. Just go away. Leave us alone. Hope tomorrow’s better.
Of course, if you, like me, are the one suffering from agita, you’re infinitely screwed—I can’t run. I can’t hide. I can’t duck. I’m stuck with an anxious, irritable me.
So here’s hoping for a better tomorrow. For all of us.
Were you familiar with the term “agita?” With the feeling? Or is this your first introduction to the word? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
From my heart to yours, Olivia/O. J.❤️
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I recall hearing "Agita" on the Sopranos of course and on an early 1990s film called Oscar, starring Sylvester Stallone. Given the context, it was easy to pick up on it being a medical condition perhaps but more like irritation and stress. I've found myself being this way, mostly during the day since I'm a night owl. I usually do some push-ups or go for a walk. I know it's not people around me. It's just me. It took me a long time to realize that, though. Awesome post, Olivia.
Not a word I've heard, but thanks for the heads up. Sometimes people don't want to be listened to, or want solutions. They just need space. Good learnings!