What does 八 have to do with [八つ当たり]【やつあたり】?


For the longest time, I had never seen _yatsuatari_ written down. I always
figured it was written 奴当たり, which I figured would have been derived from
「あの奴に当たる」 or something.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was actually written 八つ当たり! I
found myself rather confused by the kanji here. What does 八 "eight" have to do
with 八つ当たり "venting one's anger on other people"?




I think it means to vent the anger in the 8 compass directions. I.e. you are
so angry that the effects reach every direction around you.

Consider 四方八方. It refers to all sides or everywhere. I think 八つ refers to the
八方 part




I think it means to vent the anger in the 8 compass directions. I.e. you are
so angry that the effects reach every direction around you.

Consider 四方八方. It refers to all sides or everywhere. I think 八つ refers to the
八方 part

