mump

A child begins to mump when told it's bedtime.

Definition

1. Verb:

   • To sulk or be sullen: "mump" means to be in a state of silent displeasure or resentment, often with a pouting expression.
   • To mumble or mutter: In some contexts, "mump" can mean to speak indistinctly or grumble under one's breath.
   • To beg or ask for something in a whining manner: Historically, "mump" also meant to beg or act as a beggar, often with a complaining tone.

2. Noun (rare):

   • A sullen person: "mump" can refer to someone who is habitually sulky or ill-humored.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • The child would mump in the corner after being scolded. (The child sulked silently in the corner.)
  • He sat there mumping about the unfairness of the decision. (He muttered complaints under his breath.)
  • The old man would mump for coins on the street corner. (He would beg for money in a whining manner.)

• Noun:

  • She was such a mump that no one wanted to be around her. (She was a consistently sullen person.)

Advanced Usage

• "to mump and mow": an archaic phrase meaning to make grimaces or faces, often in mockery or displeasure.

  • The jester would mump and mow to entertain the court. (The jester would make exaggerated facial expressions.)

• "mumpish" (adj): inclined to sulk or be sullen.

  • His mumpish behavior ruined the party atmosphere. (His sulky demeanor spoiled the mood.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mumpish (adj): sullen, sulky, or inclined to mump.

  • The mumpish teenager refused to speak to anyone. (The sulky teenager remained silent.)

• Mumper (n): a person who mumps; a beggar or sulky individual.

  • The town was full of mumpers asking for alms. (The town was full of beggars.)

Synonyms

• Sulk: to be silent and resentful.
• Pout: to push out the lips as a sign of displeasure.
• Grumble: to complain in a low, muttered voice.
• Beg: to ask for something humbly or persistently.

Phrasal Verbs

• Mump about: to move or act in a sulky, listless manner.
  • He spent the afternoon mumping about the house. (He wandered around sulkily.)

Related Idioms

• To have a mump on: to be in a sulky mood.

  • She had a mump on all day after the argument. (She was sullen all day.)

• To mump one's way: to achieve something by begging or whining.

  • He mumped his way into a free meal. (He got a free meal by begging or complaining.)