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

Things go well until Oscar the Grouch is diagnosed with a burst appendix and Romney discovers he is uninsured.

From The Daily Beast

He pictured himself as an old grouch, soured on the world, and surely uncompanionable.

From Project Gutenberg

"Lumpy's got on the grouch that won't come off," grinned Big-foot.

From Project Gutenberg

One weazened grouch, Hank Burns, who had been a miner for forty years, tried to account for it.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind the back of Monsieur P—— they grouch; before his face they grovel.

From Project Gutenberg

No need to gloom or grouch or fret, no need to howl or whine; but may the right to voice a grief or own a pain be mine.

From Project Gutenberg