grump

[ gruhmp ]

noun

1. a person given to constant complaining.
2. Informal. the grumps, a depressed or sulky mood.

verb (used without object)

1. to complain or sulk.

grump

/ ɡrʌmp /

noun

1. a surly or bad-tempered person
2. plural a sulky or morose mood (esp in the phrase have the grumps )

verb

1. intr to complain or grumble

Word History and Origins

Origin of grump¹

First recorded in 1835–45; probably back formation from grumpy

Word History and Origins

Origin of grump¹

C18: dialect grump surly remark, probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Why it’s key: “Playing a lovable grump is hard; you can lose the audience if you play it too far,” says writer-director Cord Jefferson.

From Los Angeles Times

Howard is an old-fashioned grump, but he’s too nice to ever go full Archie.

From New York Times

But as he bickers amusingly with his old friend Roger, the kindly grump who owns the store, she is too bone-weary to engage.

From New York Times

At first, the grump does his best to scare off the invader.

From New York Times

“I didn’t want her to look like a grump schoolmistress,” Atwood said.

From Los Angeles Times