crotchety
/'krɔtʃiti/
Definition
Adjective: * Having a difficult, irritable, and often eccentric or unpredictable disposition; prone to complaining, being stubborn, or being in a bad mood, especially in a way that seems unreasonable or peculiar.
Usage
- This word is used to describe a person, typically an older person, who is habitually irritable, easily annoyed, and contrary. It often implies a degree of stubbornness and a tendency to have peculiar, fixed ideas or whims.
- It is more descriptive and slightly less harsh than words like "cantankerous" or "surly," sometimes carrying a hint of eccentricity alongside the irritability.
Examples
- The crotchety old man yelled at the children to stay off his lawn.
- Despite her crotchety exterior, she had a kind heart and always fed the stray cats.
- He became increasingly crotchety in the mornings until he had his first cup of coffee.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe non-human things that are difficult to manage or operate, implying a stubborn, unpredictable nature.
- The crotchety old printer would only work when it felt like it.
Variants and Related Words
- Crotchet (noun): An odd, whimsical, or stubborn notion or habit. This is the root word from which "crotchety" is derived.
- He has a crotchet about never wearing the color green.
Synonyms
- Cantankerous
- Irascible
- Grumpy
- Grouchy
- Crabby
- Testy
- Peevish
- Contrary
Antonyms
- Agreeable
- Amiable
- Good-natured
- Easygoing
- Pleasant
Adjective
-
having a difficult and contrary disposition
-
a cantankerous and venomous-tongued old lady- Dorothy Sayers
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
