Sulky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sulky

[หˆsสŒlki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mood

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

Synonyms

gloomy, moody, sullen.

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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
  • Sheโ€™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.

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'sulky'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'sulky' originated in the 18th century from the obsolete adjective 'sulk', which meant 'to keep aloof, to withdraw'. It is believed to have come from the obsolete French word 'soulche', meaning 'to lie hidden'. Over time, 'sulky' evolved to describe a bad-tempered or moody behavior, as well as a type of carriage.


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.