Surlinesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being unfriendly or unforthcoming in disposition, often marked by a brusque or gruff manner
2. A state characterized by a rude or morose temperament that tends to repel others
3. An attitude embodying a general irritability or disdain, leading to unpleasant social interactions

Etymology: "Surlinesses" is the plural of "surliness," so it names several instances or kinds of the quality. The base word "surly" came into English in the 1500s as a shortened form of "sirly," meaning "haughty" or "lordly," from "sir" plus the suffix "-ly." Its sense moved from arrogant lordliness to sullen churlishness, and the unfriendly, gruff character the plural now describes is the meaning that stuck. The suffix "-ness" turns the adjective into a noun for a state or quality, and the plural "-es" follows the spelling rule for words ending in "-s."

Synonyms: grumpiness, gloominess, moroseness

Antonyms: cheerfulness, happiness