Is bent out of shape formal or informal?

It is informal. Use it in speech, not in very formal writing.

Does bent out of shape mean angry or sad?

It usually means angry, upset, or offended.

Can I use bent out of shape in business English?

Only if the setting is casual. It can sound too emotional for formal business writing.

← Dictionary

bent-out-of-shape

/ˌbɛnt aʊt əv ˈʃeɪp/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

Very upset, annoyed, or offended about something. It often sounds informal and is used in everyday speech.

She got bent out of shape over the late reply.
Don't get bent out of shape about one mistake.
He was bent out of shape after the meeting.

Adinary Nuance

Bent out of shape is more informal and emotional than upset. It often suggests someone is overreacting or staying angry about something small. Compared with offended, it sounds less serious and more conversational. Compared with annoyed, it is stronger and more dramatic.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bực mình
Spanish: molesto
Chinese: 生气
Japanese: 腹を立てる
Korean: 화나다

Etymology

This idiom is American English from the 20th century. It uses bent and shape as a vivid image for being emotionally disturbed or out of balance.

Common phrases

get bent out of shapego bent out of shapedon't get bent out of shape

Synonyms

upset annoyed offended irritated

Related words

angry frustrated grumpy touchy

Frequently asked questions

Is bent out of shape formal or informal?: It is informal. Use it in speech, not in very formal writing.
Does bent out of shape mean angry or sad?: It usually means angry, upset, or offended.
Can I use bent out of shape in business English?: Only if the setting is casual. It can sound too emotional for formal business writing.