Surliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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surliness

[ ˈsɜːrlɪnəs ]

^{Context #1}

in behavior

The quality or state of being rude, unfriendly, or bad-tempered.

Synonyms

grumpiness, rudeness, unfriendliness

Examples of usage

He responded to her question with surliness, making her feel unwelcome.
His surliness towards his colleagues often created a tense atmosphere in the office.

^{Context #2}

in appearance

A facial expression or demeanor that conveys rudeness or displeasure.

Synonyms

frown, grimace, scowl

Examples of usage

His surliness was evident in the scowl on his face.
She approached him cautiously, wary of the surliness in his eyes.

Translations

Translations of the word "surliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rabugice

🇮🇳 बदतमीजी

🇩🇪 Mürrischkeit

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 сварливість

🇵🇱 niecierpliwość

🇯🇵 不機嫌

🇫🇷 mauvaise humeur

🇪🇸 malhumor

🇹🇷 huysuzluk

🇰🇷 무뚝뚝함

🇸🇦 فظاظة

🇨🇿 mručnost

🇸🇰 mrzutosť

🇨🇳 脾气暴躁

🇸🇮 nervoza

🇮🇸 fúlmennska

🇰🇿 ашушаңдық

🇬🇪 უხეშობა

🇦🇿 kobudluq

🇲🇽 malhumor

Word origin

The word 'surliness' originated from the Middle English word 'surrilnes', which meant fierce or stern. It evolved over time to signify a demeanor of rudeness or unfriendliness. The concept of surliness has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with negative emotions such as anger or displeasure.