Grumpy

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹʌmpi/

Definitions

1. Irritable and bad-tempered, especially in a sullen or peevish manner
2. Easily irritated and often in a bad mood, showing a tendency to be surly or dissatisfied with situations or people
3. Characterized by a sour or cranky disposition with frequent displays of annoyance or impatience

Etymology: "Grumpy" is simply "grump" with the adjective-forming suffix "-y" attached, the same ending found in words like "bumpy" or "scrappy." The -y came into English from Old English "-iġ," a suffix meaning "having the quality of" or "full of," which in turn traces back through Proto-Germanic to a very old Indo-European root. The base word "grump" is the more interesting half. It is an English word of the same family as "grumble" and "grunt," all imitating the low, complaining sounds a person makes when displeased. "Grump" is attested as a noun meaning a surly or ill-tempered person, and the adjective grew naturally from it: someone who behaves like a grump is grumpy.

Synonyms: irritable, cranky, sullen, moody, grouchy

Antonyms: cheerful, happy, pleasant, content, sociable