Tirades are long, angry speeches or outbursts. They are often characterized by strong language and intense emotion. The term 'TIRADE' is derived from the French word for 'OUTBURST'. Rants, which are five letters long, are similar to tirades but are usually shorter and less intense. SPATES, which are six letters long, are short bursts of intense activity or emotion. Finally, screeds, which are seven letters long, are long, passionate speeches or writings that are often critical or argumentative in nature. All three terms can be used to describe a TIRADE.