My friend, born and raised in the Western US, spent a number of years living and working in the Eastern US. She uses the term, agita in conversation, as in, "That gives me agita." It obviously is derived from agitate. My question: Is this a common usage on the East coast? I've spent some time there and never heard it. I did see it in an article/interview published in a monthly magazine, used by Helen Hunt. It was the first time I'd seen it in print. What do you know about this word?

I think its italian-- or at least a coruption of italian word. Its not uncommon in NY, and i am sure i have heard it in movies -- maybe even in TV shows like The Soprano's.

My understanding of the word is "heartburn" or "an upset stomach" ( in a more common idiom--It burns me up! ) rather than agitate-- but I could be wrong.

(Helen) of troy has a handle on it.
It is a good word in many circumstances.
No definite or exact translation but :
Little Johnny's failing math could give Mom agita.
Your husband's being late for a big family dinner = agita
The boss makes unreasonable work demands = agita
The mechanic says the repairs will be $500 = agita
The policeman can't be talked out of a ticket = agita
A fight with your mother = agita
Trying to explain agita = agita!
{Buuurp! Oh,sorry! but that's better!}
wow

I/ve never heard this word. How is it pronounced?

like agitate-- only the last a is a schwa-- agita

http://www.bartleby.com/61/28/A0142800.html
http://www.bartleby.com/61/wavs/28/A0142800.wav

The mechanic says the repairs will be $500 = agita

Even if the car is almost totalled? I think I'd be rather pleased.

the car is almost totalled? I think I'd be rather pleased

No, no, dear heart $500 for a new headlight . Now THAT"s agita!
wow

Love it. Can someone (wow?) give me some examples of how it's used so I can start using it?

examples of how it's used so I can start
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You can get agita, dear Cap K, but you can also *give it.

So, say you assign a project to some Bright Young Thing(s);
you might say "Get this done right and on time or I will give you agita like you never had before.

To Boss: "The new project deadline is going to cause a lot of agita among the young folks."

To new client : "Don't worry we'll have you set up in no time! No cause for agita."

To repair tech concerning a recalcitrant machine : "This thing has a bad case of agita."

That any help?
wow

Ta!

To wow, jazzo, and Cap K - thanks for your responses to agita - the way my friend uses it, agita is more something an individual would own because of someone else's actions - your respones didn't cause me to have any agita! Thanks again - leblancl