A tantrum, temper tantrum, or hissy fit is an emotional outburst, usually associated with children or those in emotional distress, that is typically characterized by , crying, screaming, , anger , a resistance to attempts at pacification and, in some cases, hitting. Physical control may be lost; the person may be unable to remain still; and even if the "goal" of the person is met, he or she may not be calmed. A tantrum may be expressed in a tirade: a protracted, angry, or violent speech.