3:3 Conniption

When and Where Did I Find It: My friend used this word in a conversation we were having.  He was telling a story in which this word was used by someone else to describe his behavior at the time.  Also, my parents have used this term in conversation before.  For example, "Don't have a conniption, Melissa!"

What It Means: According to dictionary.com, this word means "a fit of hysterical excitement or anger."  When my parents use this word, I think they usually use it to refer to "hysterics" in general or "hysterical excitement" bordering on anger.  For instance, they are saying, "Don't get hysterical about it," or "Calm down!"
Conniption (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conniption

Level of Familiarity: Prior to looking up the definition of this word, I was relatively familiar with it.  While I had never actually looked up the definition before, I had determined what the word means through its use in context.  As I mentioned above, my parents have used this word from time-to-time throughout my childhood, so I had a pretty good idea of its meaning.  However, it was interesting to finally look it up and have a concrete definition. 

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes!  I love knowing this word well because I like how the word sounds, and I have used it previously.  Also, I plan on using this word again in the future, so it is important that I know exactly what it means. 

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why? Yes, I think others should know this word well, if for no other reason than the word is fun to say and should continue to be used in the future.  As with so many things that my parents say (from individual words to expressions and phrases), I feel that this word could easily become "dated" and fewer people will use it or even know what it means.  I was so excited to learn that my friend knew the word, but I'm not sure how many of my other friends are familiar with it, and I find that to be unfortunate.