Crotchety: meaning, definitions and examples
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crotchety
[ ˈkrɒtʃɪti ]
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.
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
Etymology
The term 'crotchety' has its origins in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'crotchet', which refers to a whimsical notion or odd idea. The word 'crotchet' itself has roots in the Old French 'croche', meaning 'hook'. Over time, the term evolved to describe a person exhibiting unpredictable or whimsical behavior, particularly those who have become disagreeable or irritable. The notion of associating crotchety behavior with age has become more pronounced, leading to its common usage in describing elderly individuals who may have developed a tendency towards grumpiness and stubbornness. The linguistic journey of 'crotchety' reflects a cultural view of aging and personality, capturing the blend of strong-willed character and irritability that many associate with getting older.