mulligrubs

[ muhl-i-gruhbz ]

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. ill temper; grumpiness.
2. colic ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of mulligrubs¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; earlier mulligrums, apparently alteration of megrims

Example Sentences

We’re deep in the mulligrubs.”

From Project Gutenberg

Here take my Bills, take my Bills, I cure all Ills, past, present, and to come; the Cramp, the Stitch, the Squirt, the Itch, the Gout, the Stone, the Pox, the Mulligrubs, the Bonny Scrubs, and all, all, all, all, all, Pandora’s Box; Thousands I’ve Dissected, Thousands new erected, and such Cures effected, as none e’er can tell.

From Project Gutenberg

The salt water, I think, Has made me most bloodily thirsty; So bring me a flagon of drink To keep down the mulligrubs, burst ye!

From Project Gutenberg

To this class belongs mulligrubs, for which we find in the 17th century also mouldy grubs.

From Project Gutenberg

The occasions, for instance, when I was stood in the corner for misconduct at table, or thrashed by my big brother for my “cheek,” or dosed with castor oil by the doctor for “mulligrubs,” all stand out in my memory as tragic, and no doubt prepared me to appreciate tragedy later on as a fine art.

From Project Gutenberg