Glum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Feeling glum can occur after a stressful event or as part of seasonal affective disorder, which affects mood.
• Body language often changes with mood; a glum person might slouch or avoid eye contact.
• Understanding this feeling is essential for mental well-being, as acknowledging sadness is a step towards recovery.

Pop Culture

• In literature, characters often display glum moods in dark scenes to evoke empathy from readers.
• Glum appearances by actors or actresses in films can add depth to their characters, indicating their inner struggles.
• The phrase 'feeling glum' has appeared in popular music, illustrating the universal experience of sadness.

Cultural References

• In many cultures, there are expressions or proverbs around feeling down, indicating it's a shared human experience.
• Cartoons often depict glum characters with rain clouds above them, symbolizing a sad mood humorously.
• Art frequently uses darker colors or sad expressions to portray glumness, allowing for emotional connections.

Literature

• Classic literature often features glum protagonists, highlighting their internal battles and journey toward joy.
• Authors use glum moods to create tension, allowing readers to experience the highs and lows of a character's journey.
• Poetry frequently explores feelings of glumness, capturing the essence of sadness in succinct, powerful ways.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'glum' comes from the Scottish word 'glum', which means 'gloomy' or 'sad'.
• It has been used in English since the 19th century, showing how long people have felt this way.
• Related words include 'gloom' and 'gloomy', both emphasizing a feeling of darkness or sadness.

The word 'glum' originated in the mid-18th century, possibly from the Middle English 'glomen', which means to look sullen or displeased. Over time, 'glum' has come to represent a state of being sad or lacking enthusiasm. It is often used to describe a person's facial expression or demeanor when they are feeling downcast or disheartened.

See also: glumly, glumness.

At rank #27,987, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27984 underestimating
• 27985 unquenchable
• 27986 longingly
• 27987 glum
• 27988 meanly
• 27989 scribble
• 27990 misappropriated
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