Grumpy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grumpy

[ˈɡrʌmpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mood

bad-tempered and sulky

Synonyms

cranky, irritable, moody.

Examples of usage

  • He's always grumpy in the mornings.
  • Don't be so grumpy, it's not that bad.
  • She gave me a grumpy look when I asked for help.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

having a frowning or scowling look

Synonyms

glum, sour-faced, sullen.

Examples of usage

  • He had a grumpy expression on his face all day.
  • The old man looked grumpy as he walked down the street.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling grumpy can be linked to tiredness, hunger, or stress, making it hard to be cheerful.
  • Studies show that our moods can influence our social interactions; grumpy people might avoid others.
  • Children often display grumpiness when they can't express their feelings or needs clearly.

Pop Culture

  • The character Grumpy from Snow White is one of the Seven Dwarfs known for his sour attitude and scowling face.
  • In comic strips, grumpy characters often provide humor through their sarcastic responses to cheerful situations.
  • Films like Inside Out portray emotions like grumpiness, showcasing how they're an important part of human experience.

Literature

  • In classic literature, grumpy characters often serve as foils to cheerful protagonists, highlighting themes of happiness and despair.
  • Charles Dickens frequently included grumpy figures in his works, emphasizing social issues through their disgruntled perspectives.

Language

  • The word grumpy is derived from the late 17th-century, possibly from the dialect term 'grump,' meaning 'to grumble.'
  • In different languages, there are unique words for 'grumpy' that carry cultural connotations, such as 'grincheux' in French, which evokes images of curmudgeonly characters.

Animal Behavior

  • Certain animals can exhibit grumpy behaviors when they feel threatened or uncomfortable, like cats swatting at people.
  • In popular culture, grumpy pets often become internet sensations, showcasing their sulkiness in humorous ways.

Origin of 'grumpy'

The word 'grumpy' originated in the early 18th century and is believed to be an alteration of the word 'grum', which means surly or morose. It has since evolved to describe someone who is bad-tempered or irritable. The term 'grumpy' is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone's mood or appearance.


See also: grump, grumpily.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,743, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.