Crabbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crabbed
[ˈkræbɪd ]
Definitions
mood, behavior
The term 'crabbed' describes a person who is irritable, ill-tempered, or difficult to deal with. It may also refer to a situation that is marked by a lack of generosity or a narrow-minded approach. People characterized as crabbed often exhibit a pessimistic or sour attitude. This word can also imply a tendency to be petty or overly critical in interactions.
Synonyms
cantankerous, cross, irritable, petty, sour.
Examples of usage
- She always has a crabbed expression when things don't go her way.
- His crabbed nature made it difficult for him to make friends.
- The meeting was filled with crabbed remarks that stifled creativity.
writing, style
To 'crab' can also mean to complain or express dissatisfaction, often in a minor or petty way. When discussing writing, it may refer to a style that is difficult to read or convoluted. This usage is less common but reflects a tendency to focus on minor details rather than the broader picture.
Synonyms
complain, fret, grumble, moan, whine.
Examples of usage
- He tended to crab about small mistakes in the report.
- The editor described the manuscript as crabbed and hard to follow.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare often described characters as crabbed to highlight their angry or unfriendly personalities.
- In classic novels, an author might use crabbed language to showcase a character's frustration or bitterness.
- The term is also used in poetry to convey a sense of confinement or displeasure in modern works.
Psychology
- People described as crabbed may have underlying issues like stress or anxiety causing their bad mood.
- Mood can affect communication, making crabbed individuals appear unfriendly or unapproachable.
- Understanding the crabbed behavior can lead to better interpersonal communication and empathy.
Pop Culture
- In popular cartoons, characters often display crabbed traits for comedic effect, exaggerating their grumpy nature.
- Movies with grumpy characters often use exaggeration for humor, reinforcing the idea of being crabbed.
- Social media often portrays crabbed posts as humorous, with users joking about their own mood swings.
Art
- In visual art, crabbed styles may be represented through intricate, tangled lines or gloomy color palettes.
- Artists use crabbed forms to express confinement or tension, creating a visual metaphor for stress.
- Some sculptures and carvings depict features and expressions that convey a crabbed demeanor.
Origin of 'crabbed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'crabbed' comes from the Middle English word 'crabbed,' meaning crooked or twisted.
- It is linked to the Old English 'crabba,' referring to the crab creature, hinting at a sideways nature.
- Usage in literature dates back to the 14th century, depicting both moodiness and complex handwriting.
The word 'crabbed' has its origins in the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English 'crabbe' which means 'grumpy or irritable'. It is believed to be related to the Old Norse 'krabbi' (meaning crab), which is often associated with a snapping or aggressive manner, akin to the behavior of the crustacean itself. The association with 'irritability' stems from the notion that crabs have a propensity to pinch and defend themselves, metaphorically linking their behavior with the temperament of certain individuals. Over centuries, 'crabbed' transitioned from its focus purely on the crustacean to encapsulating a broader spectrum of human behaviors, especially those reflecting negativity or narrow-mindedness.