spit tacks

(slang, Australia) To be extremely angry.

Spit chips is an Australian slang phrase meaning to be extremely angry — furious to the point of incoherence. The image is vivid: someone so enraged they can barely speak, as if spitting rather than talking. It's a characteristically Australian idiom that maps intense emotion onto an absurd physical image. Register is informal and expressive; it conveys genuine anger while the imagery keeps it from feeling entirely serious. Common in Australian casual speech and writing.

(idiomatic, informal, chiefly, Australia) The act of overreacting (as an adult) to a situation childishly, in an angry or frustrated manner.

(informal, idiomatic, chiefly, Australia) To overreact (as an adult) to a situation, in an angry and childish manner.

(UK, slang, pejorative) A fit of foolish rage; a tantrum.