Crossest - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

emotional state

The term 'crossest' is the superlative form of 'cross,' which describes a state of being irritated or annoyed. Someone who is crossest is the most annoyed or irritated among a group of people. It is often used in informal contexts to express a heightened level of displeasure. This word can reflect moods in both adults and children, commonly characterized by short temper and impatience.

Synonyms

angriest, most annoyed, most irritated.

Examples of usage

She was the crossest person in the room after hearing the news.
After waiting for hours, he became the crossest at the party.
The kids were crossest when their game was interrupted.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that feeling angry can affect your body's stress levels, leading to physical reactions such as increased heart rate.
The expression of anger can vary significantly across cultures, with some encouraging open displays while others promote restraint.
Understanding your feelings, including being 'crossest,' is crucial for emotional intelligence and healthy communication.

Literature

Writers often use characters who are 'crossest' to create tension or conflict, driving the story forward.
Shakespeare frequently portrayed rage in his characters, embodying the depth of human emotion in plays like 'Othello.'
In children's literature, tales often depict characters becoming 'crossest' to convey moral lessons about sharing and kindness.

Pop Culture

In animated shows, characters are often exaggeratedly 'crossest,' leading to comedic situations that highlight their frustrations.
The depiction of being 'crossest' is used in memes and social media to humorously express minor annoyances and frustrations.
Films frequently show characters getting 'crossest' in relatable moments, making audiences empathize with their plights.

Cultural Differences

In some cultures, expressing being 'crossest' openly is considered healthy, while in others, it is frowned upon.
The phrase 'getting crossed' can mean becoming annoyed, and varies in use across different English-speaking regions.
Cultural attitudes toward anger can shape how people express being 'crossest,' influencing their social interactions.

Origin of 'crossest'

Main points about word origin

The word 'cross' comes from the Old Norse word 'kross,' which had a similar meaning related to being angry.
In Middle English, 'cross' described an angry person or one who was in a bad mood, evolving into its current form.
Using '-est' as a suffix to form the descriptive 'crossest' indicates the highest degree of that anger.

The term 'cross' derives from the Old English word 'crosse' meaning 'angry' or 'irritable.' It has connections to the German 'krass' and Old Norse 'krossa,' which implies a state of discomfort or displeasure. The evolution of the word has been closely linked to expressions of discontent and frustration throughout different dialects. The superlative form 'crossest' denotes an intensified state of the base emotion, fitting into the common pattern of forming superlatives in English. Interestingly, the word also shares roots with related terms that describe crossing or intermingling, indicating an inherent conflict or opposition. Its usage has been consistent since the early 19th century when it began appearing more frequently in literature and colloquial speech.

Crossest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations