Grumpily: meaning, definitions and examples

😠
Add to dictionary

grumpily

 

[ˈɡrʌmpɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a bad-tempered or sulky manner

Grumpily is an adverb that describes the action of doing something in a bad-tempered or sulky manner. It is often used to convey a sense of irritation or annoyance in the way someone is behaving or speaking.

Synonyms

crossly, irritably, sulkily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
grumpily

Used when someone is being bad-tempered or complaining, often in a slightly humorous way.

  • He answered the phone grumpily
  • She grumpily agreed to help me with the project
sulkily

Used when someone is showing their displeasure in a quiet, stubborn way, often refusing to interact.

  • He sat sulkily in the corner after being scolded
  • She sulkily refused to join the conversation
irritably

Used when someone is easily annoyed or impatient, reflecting a sense of frustration.

  • He responded irritably to the repeated questions
  • She sighed irritably, tired of waiting
crossly

Used when someone is annoyed or angry, often with a hint of being upset or disappointed.

  • He looked at me crossly when I interrupted him
  • She crossly told the children to be quiet

Examples of usage

  • She answered grumpily when he asked her a question.
  • He grumpily agreed to help with the chores.
  • The cat grumpily swiped at the dog.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'grumpily' comes from 'grumpy', which has roots in the word 'grump', meaning to complain or sulk.
  • The 'ily' ending is an adverbial suffix that indicates how an action is performed, transforming an emotion into an action.
  • The usage of 'grumpy' dates back to the late 18th century, originally describing a rough or irritable character.

Pop Culture

  • Grumpy Cat, a famous internet meme, popularized the idea of being grumpily charming with her signature frown.
  • In movies and books, characters often present as grumpily humorous, bringing comic relief despite their sour moods.
  • The 2013 animated film 'The Grumpy Bear' introduced a character embodying the grumpy archetype in children's entertainment.

Psychology

  • Research shows that a grumpily articulated mood can be contagious, affecting the social dynamics within groups.
  • People expressing grumpiness often do so to attract support or attention, highlighting the social aspect of negative emotions.
  • Expressing emotions like grumpiness can provide an outlet for feelings, but chronic expression might lead to social withdrawal.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often exhibit grumpily traits as a way to emphasize personal growth or the journey from isolation to understanding.
  • Charles Dickens' characters frequently embody grumpiness, like Ebenezer Scrooge, showing that change is possible with compassion.
  • Grumpily written characters often serve as foils, highlighting the jovial or optimistic characters through contrast.

Social Interactions

  • People often use humor to disarm grumpily individuals, creating a lighter environment despite the underlying negativity.
  • Body language plays a crucial role in conveying a grumpily state, including crossed arms and frowning expressions.
  • Cultural differences can influence how grumpiness is expressed and perceived, with some cultures valuing emotional restraint over outward displays.

Translations

Translations of the word "grumpily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal-humorado

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 mürrisch

🇮🇩 dengan kesal

🇺🇦 буркотливо

🇵🇱 zrzędliwie

🇯🇵 不機嫌に

🇫🇷 de mauvaise humeur

🇪🇸 de mal humor

🇹🇷 huysuzca

🇰🇷 투덜거리며

🇸🇦 بعبوس

🇨🇿 mrzutě

🇸🇰 mrzuto

🇨🇳 脾气暴躁地

🇸🇮 godrnjavo

🇮🇸 geðvondur

🇰🇿 ашулы

🇬🇪 მკაცრად

🇦🇿 qaşqabaqlı

🇲🇽 de mal humor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,228, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.