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.
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.