grumpy

Meaning

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   In a cross, sulky mood and likely to complain or snap, usually for a trivial reason or for a short time.

   Grammar: Can come before a noun (a grumpy old man) or after a verb (he is grumpy).

   Patterns

   • be grumpy about something
   • get grumpy with someone
   • feel grumpy

   My sister is always grumpy before she has had her coffee.

   The toddler turned grumpy when nap time was skipped.

   Don't mind him; he's just grumpy because the train was late.

Word forms

Common combinations

grumpy old man

My grandfather plays the grumpy old man, but he secretly loves visitors.

wake up grumpy

I always wake up grumpy on Mondays.

feel grumpy

I feel grumpy when I haven't slept well.

get grumpy with someone

Please don't get grumpy with me; I only asked a question.

grumpy mood

He was in a grumpy mood all through breakfast.

Synonyms and how they differ

cranky

Cranky is very close but is especially used for tired children and for people made irritable by being unwell or sleepy.

irritable

Irritable is more formal and can describe a lasting tendency to be easily annoyed, not just a passing mood.

cross

Cross is milder and more British in feel, and suggests mild anger aimed at someone in particular.

surly

Surly is harsher than grumpy, describing a rude, unfriendly manner rather than a gentle sulk.

Opposites

Word family

grumpily adverb

in a cross, complaining way

grumpiness noun

the state of being bad-tempered

grump noun

a person who is often in a bad mood

grumble verb

to complain in a low, unhappy voice

Commonly confused: grumpy or grouchy?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “grumpy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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