grouchy

¹

[ grou-chee ]

adjective

, grouch·i·er, grouch·i·est.

1. sullenly discontented; sulky; morose; ill-tempered.

Grouchy

²

[ groo-shee ]

noun

1. Em·ma·nu·el [e-m, a, -n, y, -, el], Marquis de, 1766–1847, French general.

ˈgrouchy

/ ˈɡraʊtʃɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   bad-tempered; tending to complain; peevish

Derived Forms

• ˈgrouchily, adverb
• ˈgrouchiness, noun

Other Words From

• grouchi·ly adverb
• grouchi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grouchy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; grouch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Scott wrote in The Times, “you are likely to leave this one feeling as grouchy and put-upon as the title character.”

From New York Times

The grouchy tabby gets another big-screen adaptation, this time following an unexpected reunion with his father.

From New York Times

Some of you must have been feeling a bit grouchy.

From Seattle Times

But no, I was watching a sad and grouchy old man act sad and grouchy.

From Literature

Or maybe the grouchy, standoffish, self-righteous pain in the butt is a character that resonates in Denmark.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cantankerous
• crusty
• grumpy
• irascible
• petulant
• surly
• testy