Crotchety: meaning, definitions and examples
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crotchety
[ˈkrɒtʃɪti ]
Definition
personality trait
Crotchety describes someone who is irritable or grumpy, often exhibiting a tendency to be disagreeable or cantankerous. This word is frequently used to characterize older individuals who may have become sour or cranky due to age or life experiences. However, it can also apply to anyone who is prone to moodiness and gruffness. The term captures a sense of being stubborn and unwilling to cooperate or engage positively with others.
Synonyms
cantankerous, cranky, grumpy, irritable, surly.
Examples of usage
- My crotchety neighbor yells at kids playing outside.
- He became even more crotchety after losing his job.
- The crotchety old man was known for his sharp tongue.
- She often complained about her crotchety boss.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'crotchety' dates back to the late 19th century and is believed to be derived from 'crotchet', an old term meaning a capricious or strange whim.
- Interestingly, 'crotchety' might also relate to 'crotch', reflecting a sense of being bent or twisted, akin to a grouchy personality.
- It was often used to describe elderly people, reflecting societal ideas about age and temperament.
Pop Culture
- Crotchety characters are often beloved in literature and films, such as the grumpy old man trope seen in 'Up' with the character Carl Fredricksen.
- The portrayal of crotchety folks in sitcoms showcases how humor can often arise from misunderstandings with these characters.
- In children's stories, such as 'The Tale of the Gruffalo', the grumpy creature can still hold deeper lessons, teaching empathy and understanding.
Psychology
- Research shows that mood disorders can lead to more crotchety behavior, especially in older adults, highlighting the importance of emotional health.
- Life stressors, such as loneliness or health issues, often exacerbate a person’s crankiness, linking emotional well-being to behavior.
- Being labeled as 'crotchety' may impact social interactions, creating a cycle where isolation further enhances irritability.
Literature
- In Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', the character Ebenezer Scrooge embodies the idea of being crotchety, only to transform through meaningful experiences.
- Classic literature often depicts crotchety figures, allowing authors to reflect on societal norms around aging and interpersonal relationships.
- These characters can serve as reflections on society, representing the struggle between youthfulness and the burdens of age.
Translations
Translations of the word "crotchety" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mal-humorado
🇮🇳 चिढ़चिढ़ा
🇩🇪 griesgrämig
🇮🇩 pemarah
🇺🇦 похмурий
🇵🇱 zgorzkniały
🇯🇵 不機嫌な
🇫🇷 râleur
🇪🇸 gruñón
🇹🇷 huysuz
🇰🇷 심술궂은
🇸🇦 عابس
🇨🇿 mrzutý
🇸🇰 mrzutý
🇨🇳 脾气坏的
🇸🇮 nagajiv
🇮🇸 hrokkin
🇰🇿 кекір
🇬🇪 ბუზღუნა
🇦🇿 xasist
🇲🇽 gruñón