Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 17, 2023 is: hackles \HAK-ulz\ noun

Hackles are hairs along the neck and back of an animal (especially a dog) that are capable of being raised to a stiff, upright position (as when a dog is frightened or angry). The plural noun hackles is often used figuratively with raise or rise to describe a person's response to something that causes anger or annoyance; thus, hackles can also mean “temper” or “[dander](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander)” (as in “don't get your temper/dander up”).

// A number of the issues discussed in the political debate raised some hackles among members of the opposing party.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackles)

Examples:

“If you want to raise someone's hackles, tell them how to spend, donate, or invest their money. Sure, we all want guidance, but few of us are open to obeying a total stranger.” — Dana George, The Motley Fool (Alexandria, Virginia), 6 Jan. 2023

Did you know?

In its earliest uses in the 15th century, hackle referred to either the [plumage](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumage) along a bird's neck or to a device used to comb out long fibers of flax, hemp, or [jute](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jute). Things took a turn in the 19th century when English speakers extended the word’s plural use to both dogs and people. Like the bird’s feathers, the hairs on the back of a dog’s neck stand up when the animal is agitated. With humans, use of the word hackles is usually figurative. So, if you [heckle](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heckle) someone, you’ll likely raise their hackles in the process, meaning you’ll make them angry or put them on the defensive.