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Curmudgeon - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A curmudgeon is a bad-tempered, irritable, or stubborn person, often older, who complains frequently. The term is used to describe someone who is habitually grumpy or difficult to please.

curmudgeon

/kɚˈmʌdʒən/ /kəˈmʌdʒən/

Definition:

A bad-tempered, difficult, or cantankerous person, often elderly.

Synonyms:

grouch, misanthrope, crank, grump

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

optimist, sweetheart

Common Collocations:

old curmudgeon, grumpy curmudgeon, neighborhood curmudgeon

Derivatives:

curmudgeonly, curmudgeonliness

Usage Tips:

Use "curmudgeon" to describe someone persistently irritable or stubbornly pessimistic in a humorous or mildly critical way.

Common Phrases:

"old curmudgeon, " "grumpy old curmudgeon, " "neighborhood curmudgeon"

Etymology:

Origin uncertain; possibly from Middle English *curmudgin*, meaning miser or churlish person.

Examples:

  • 1. The old man was a notorious curmudgeon who yelled at kids for stepping on his lawn.
  • 2. She played the role of a lovable curmudgeon in the comedy film.
  • 3. Despite his reputation as a curmudgeon, he secretly donated to charity every year.
  • 4. The bookstore owner was a charming curmudgeon who hated bestsellers but adored obscure poetry.

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