Crankiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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crankiest

 

[ˈkræŋkiɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

character trait

Crankiest is the superlative form of cranky, describing a person who is exceptionally irritable or easily annoyed. Individuals who are crankiest often exhibit a noticeable lack of patience and an overall grumpy demeanor. This term is commonly used to describe someone who is particularly moody, especially in stressful situations or when they are not feeling well.

Synonyms

grumpy, irritable, testy.

Examples of usage

  • My grandfather can be the crankiest person when he hasn't had his coffee.
  • The crankiest cat in the neighborhood practically growled at every passerby.
  • After a long day at work, I tend to be the crankiest at home.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'cranky' originated in the early 18th century, possibly from the old English 'crank,' meaning 'ill-tempered.'
  • Adding '-iest' is a common way to form superlatives in English, helping to indicate that someone is the most cranky of all.

Psychology

  • Irritability can be linked to various factors such as lack of sleep, stress, or certain medical conditions like depression.
  • Understanding when and why someone becomes cranky can help improve relationships and communication.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, cranky characters often serve as comic relief, highlighting their exaggerated irritability against cheerful protagonists.
  • The portrayal of cranky elderly characters, like Frank from 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' often emphasizes the humor and wisdom that can come with age.

Literature

  • Literary characters like Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol' start off cranky but often undergo significant transformations, showcasing the possibility of change.
  • Cranky characters in children's books often teach lessons about kindness and patience, as they navigate their grumpiness.

Social Interaction

  • Recognizing crankiness can sometimes diffuse tension in conversations, allowing for more empathetic exchanges.
  • People often use humor to address crankiness, making light of a grumpy mood to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "crankiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais rabugento

🇮🇳 सबसे चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 am mürrischsten

🇮🇩 paling rewel

🇺🇦 найчиркіший

🇵🇱 najbardziej zrzędliwy

🇯🇵 最も不機嫌な

🇫🇷 le plus grincheux

🇪🇸 el más malhumorado

🇹🇷 en huysuz

🇰🇷 가장 짜증나는

🇸🇦 الأكثر غضبًا

🇨🇿 nejmrzutější

🇸🇰 najmrzutější

🇨🇳 最脾气坏的

🇸🇮 najbolj mrzovoljen

🇮🇸 mest þræta

🇰🇿 ең ренжісуші

🇬🇪 ყველაზე წუწუნა

🇦🇿 ən narahat

🇲🇽 el más malhumorado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,073, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.