Grinches

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹɪnt͡ʃɪz/

Definitions

1. Individuals characterized by a consistently sour or unfriendly demeanor; those who exhibit a tendency to spoil others' enjoyment or cheerfulness; or characters known for their grumpy, miserly attitude, especially regarding festivities
2. People who often appear unpleasant, unfriendly, or scowling; those who dampen or resist joyful occasions; or figures infamous for their grouchy behavior and reluctance to share happiness
3. Persons marked by sour expressions and a lack of warmth; those who habitually diminish others' pleasure or excitement; or iconic grumpy personalities known for opposing celebratory moods

Etymology: The Grinch was not born in the 1957 Dr. Seuss book that made it famous. Theodor Seuss Geisel first used the name in 1953 for a fictitious bird, the "Beagle-Beaked-Bald-Headed Grinch," in the story "Scrambled Eggs Super!" Two years later, in the May 1955 issue of Redbook, a poem called "The Hoobub and the Grinch" tied the name to the grumpy character who would later steal Christmas. The origin of the word itself is probably a corruption of "grouch," which fits its sense of a sour, scowling person who resents other people's cheer. Its plural, "grinches," is simply the noun used for more than one such character or person, whether they are real people or figures from the story.

Synonyms: scrooges, killjoys, spoilsports, curmudgeons, grouches

Antonyms: merrymakers, jovialists, celebrants, joyfuls, happy campers