The word "hanger" was first used in 1918. It's rarely used today, but it may be making a comeback and become used more frequently. The word is a portmanteau (combination) of the words "hungry" and "angry". It means to be bad tempered as a result of hunger. Its increased use is because of research that says "hanger" is a real feeling. Researchers say "hangriness" could be a genuine medical condition. Scientists looked at how hunger affects our daily emotions. A professor said the research showed a strong link between hunger and feelings of anger or low pleasure.

The researchers analysed data from 64 volunteers. Participants completed surveys on a smartphone app five times a day for 21 days. Researchers received real-time information on feelings at the time of hunger. The professor said there was a "meaningful" link between hunger and emotions. He said: "The experience of being hangry is real." He added: "We show, for the first time in a non-laboratory setting, that feeling hungry is associated with greater anger…and lower levels of pleasure." He said if people knew they were hangry, they could control their anger.