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

"I would further point you in the direction of the centrality of personality politics in both elections in which the overlapping stances that the candidates were taking made their images all the more important. The image of the dapper Kennedy and Nixon the persnickety grump weighed all the more because both were staunch cold warriors and both tacked to relatively moderate proposals on the economy and civil rights."

From Salon

The sharpest movies about New York’s art scene — including 1996’s “Basquiat,” starring future “American Fiction” grump Jeffrey Wright — capture something relentless about the city.

From Los Angeles Times

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

In fact, it’s Grant’s sense of humor that led “Wonka” director Paul King to cast him for the role in the film: His Oompa Loompa is also a grump.

From Los Angeles Times