Grouchy: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in casual or informal settings to describe someone who is in a bad mood for a short period or is generally a bit unpleasant.

• He's just a little grouchy in the mornings before his coffee

Use this word to describe someone who is consistently in a bad mood or easily upset, frequently used in casual settings.

• Why are you so grumpy today? Did you not get enough sleep?

Use in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who easily becomes annoyed or angry. This word often implies a temporary state but can also be used for a chronic condition.

• He's very irritable these days, probably because of all the stress at work

Use this word in informal situations to describe someone who is irritable and easily annoyed. It is often used for temporary bad moods.

• Don't talk to her about it now, she's feeling crabby after a long day at work

Use this word for someone who is difficult to deal with and often argues or complains, typically used to describe older people. It can sound quite formal.

• The cantankerous old man next door always yells at kids who walk on his lawn

Use this word in both formal and informal situations to describe someone who is mildly angry or annoyed, often used with children.

• She got really cross when she found out the kids hadn't done their homework

Used to describe someone who is easily irritated or in a bad mood, often temporarily. It can be used in casual and everyday conversations.

• She gets really grouchy when she doesn't get enough sleep

A casual term for someone who is temporarily in a bad mood or frequently complains. It's often used in an affectionate or light-hearted manner.

• You're such a grump lately
• What’s bothering you?

Used to refer to an old man who is often grumpy and unapproachable, typically used in a somewhat affectionate or humorous way.

• The shop's owner is a bit of a curmudgeon, but he knows his books inside out

Informal term used to describe someone with eccentric or strange behavior, often leaning towards being irritable or bad-tempered. This term can have a slightly negative connotation.

• He's a bit of a crank, always complaining about something

Describes someone who is frequently irritable or ill-tempered. It's often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner.

• Don't be such a crabby person just because it's Monday

Refers to someone who is habitually grumpy or complains a lot. This term is often used informally.

• He's such a grouch before he has his morning coffee