grumpy

or grump·ish

[ gruhm-pee ]

adjective

, grump·i·er, grump·i·est.

1. surly or ill-tempered; discontentedly or sullenly irritable; grouchy.

grumpy

/ ˈɡrʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. peevish; sulky Alsogrumpish

Derived Forms

• ˈgrumpily, adverb
• ˈgrumpiness, noun

Other Words From

• grumpi·ly adverb
• grumpi·ness noun
• un·grumpy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grumpy¹

1770–80; grump expressive word, first attested in the phrase humps and grumps slights and snubs + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of grumpy¹

C18: from grump + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The women described feeling like they had to be the "bright spot in everyone's day," saying it was up to them to manage their husbands' emotions when things got rough and the farmers got grumpy.

From Science Daily

You'd be forgiven for not remembering this slug-like monster, who played a small part as an extremely grumpy office worker in the animated film.

From BBC

His base is grumpy and bitter, but they are numerous.

From Salon

“I’m 36 years old. I’m old and grumpy now.”

From Los Angeles Times

Locke had a lighter side, a smiling and charismatic presence when the stars were aligned, but there was a grumpy side, too.

From BBC

Related Words

• cantankerous
• crotchety
• grouchy
• irritable
• sullen
• surly
• testy