Tee'd Off

"Tee'd off" is an informal idiom primarily used in American English to express a state of anger, frustration, or annoyance. It implies a higher degree of irritation than simply being displeased. The phrase is commonly understood to mean extremely upset or angry.

The origin of the phrase likely comes from the sport of golf. In golf, a "tee" is a small peg used to elevate the ball at the start of each hole, specifically on the tee box. While there is no direct correlation between teeing the ball and anger within the rules of golf, the act of a golfer hitting a poor shot, damaging the course in frustration, or reacting poorly to a bad game may have contributed to the association. The phrase metaphorically suggests that someone is ready to "explode" or "drive off" in anger, much like striking a golf ball with force.

Usage of "tee'd off" is generally considered acceptable in casual conversation but might be inappropriate in formal or professional settings, where more precise and less colloquial language would be preferred. Synonyms for "tee'd off" include: angry, furious, incensed, irate, enraged, livid, and exasperated. The level of anger implied by "tee'd off" can vary depending on context and tone of voice.