Sulky: meaning, definitions and examples

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sulky

[ˈsʌlki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mood

Morose, sullen, or bad-tempered in a passive or petulant way.

Synonyms

gloomy, moody, sullen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sulky	This word is used to describe someone who is silently angry or upset and unwilling to talk or engage. It often has a slightly childish connotation. After getting scolded, he sat in the corner with a sulky expression She spent the afternoon sulky and irritable after the argument
sullen	This word describes a person who is quietly resentful or sulky, often showing their feelings through a lack of communication or dragging themselves around. It suggests a deep but silent anger or discontent. He gave a sullen glance and said nothing Her sullen attitude was noticeable when she was ignored in the meeting
moody	This word indicates someone whose mood changes often and unpredictably. It can describe a person who is happy one moment and sad or angry the next. Dealing with his moody behavior can be exhausting She’s very talented but also quite moody, so team dynamics can be challenging
gloomy	This word refers to a mood that is dark and sad. It can describe both people and environments, suggesting an atmosphere of despair or bleakness. The weather is so gloomy today, it makes me feel down He has been in a gloomy mood ever since he lost his job

Examples of usage

She sat in a sulky silence throughout the meeting.
His sulky behavior was starting to annoy everyone around him.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

vehicle

A light two-wheeled carriage with a hood or seat for the driver.

Synonyms

carriage, cart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sulky	Describes a lightweight, two-wheeled carriage used especially in horse racing. Also, it can describe a person showing a bad mood and unwillingness to talk or engage. He drove the sulky down the racetrack with great skill She has been sulky all day because she didn't get what she wanted, which made it hard to have a pleasant conversation
carriage	Typically refers to a four-wheeled vehicle pulled by horses, used historically for transportation, and sometimes in modern contexts for ceremonial purposes. The bride arrived at the wedding venue in a beautifully decorated carriage In the past, people traveled in carriages before cars were invented
cart	Often refers to a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle used to transport goods, typically pulled by a person or animal. Can also refer to shopping carts in a store. The farmer loaded the hay onto the cart I pushed the shopping cart down the aisles at the grocery store

Word

Description / Examples

sulky

Describes a lightweight, two-wheeled carriage used especially in horse racing. Also, it can describe a person showing a bad mood and unwillingness to talk or engage.

He drove the sulky down the racetrack with great skill
She has been sulky all day because she didn't get what she wanted, which made it hard to have a pleasant conversation

carriage

Typically refers to a four-wheeled vehicle pulled by horses, used historically for transportation, and sometimes in modern contexts for ceremonial purposes.

The bride arrived at the wedding venue in a beautifully decorated carriage
In the past, people traveled in carriages before cars were invented

cart

Often refers to a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle used to transport goods, typically pulled by a person or animal. Can also refer to shopping carts in a store.

The farmer loaded the hay onto the cart
I pushed the shopping cart down the aisles at the grocery store

Examples of usage

He rode on a sulky along the country road.
The horse pulled the sulky with ease.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sulky' comes from the word 'sulk', which means to be gloomy or sullen.
It can be traced back to the 18th century, and it is believed to be related to the word 'sulk,' which has roots in Middle English.

Psychology

Being sulky can often be a response to frustration or disappointment.
Children often sulk as a way to express emotions they may not yet fully understand.
In some cases, being sulky can be a social strategy to gain attention or sympathy from others.

Pop Culture

Sulky characters often appear in various films and books, usually portrayed as someone in a mood who needs cheering up.
In cartoons, characters who are sulky often have exaggerated facial expressions, like frowning or crossing their arms.

Literature

Sulky personalities are explored in children's literature, where characters learn to express their feelings rather than stew in silence.
In classic novels, sulkiness is often associated with character flaws or personal growth moments, teaching lessons about communication.

Social Behavior

Sulkiness can affect group dynamics, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts among friends.
People often describe sulky behavior as a form of withdrawal from social interactions as a way to cope with negative feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "sulky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emburrado

🇮🇳 उदासीन

🇩🇪 mürrisch

🇮🇩 merajuk

🇺🇦 надуті

🇵🇱 nadąsany

🇯🇵 むっつりした (muttsuri shita)

🇫🇷 boudeur

🇪🇸 malhumorado

🇹🇷 somurtkan

🇰🇷 뾰루퉁한 (ppyorutung han)

🇸🇦 عبوس

🇨🇿 nabručený

🇸🇰 nafučaný

🇨🇳 闷闷不乐的 (mènmèn bù lè de)

🇸🇮 sulast

🇮🇸 fýldur

🇰🇿 қырсық

🇬🇪 დედებიანი

🇦🇿 sıxılmış

🇲🇽 malhumorado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,449, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23446 pontoon
23447 cognitively
23448 caramel
23449 sulky
23450 anther
23451 garner
23452 tramps
...