grouch

[ grouch ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be sulky or morose; show discontent; complain, especially in an irritable way.

noun

1. a sulky, complaining, or morose person.

   Synonyms: grumbler, killjoy, crab, spoilsport

2. a sulky, irritable, or morose mood.

grouch

/ ɡraʊtʃ /

verb

1. to complain; grumble

noun

1. a complaint, esp a persistent one
2. a person who is always grumbling

Word History and Origins

Origin of grouch¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; variant of obsolete grutch, from Middle English grucchen, gruchen “to murmur, grumble,” from Old French grocier, grouchier “to grumble”; grudge

Word History and Origins

Origin of grouch¹

C20: from obsolete grutch, from Old French grouchier to complain; see grudge

Example Sentences

It’s not, as far as we know, named for the Grouch.

From New York Times

It’s not, as far as we know, named for the Grouch.

From New York Times

But now that he’s gone, the hoodie-wearing coach even poked fun at his reputation as a grouch.

From Seattle Times

In Giamatti’s hands, the dialogue of an erudite grouch sings.

From Washington Times

We use tons of it — tens of millions of tons annually, according to the EPA — but recycle so much that we waste 10 million tons less than when Oscar the Grouch sang “I Love Trash” on Sesame Street in 1970.

From Los Angeles Times