or alack-a-day!, originally used to mean Shame or reproach to the day! It was originally believed to have come from coeur mechant, the French phrase for evil heart, but that theory has been long discarded. Thus, while written off as cranks sometimes, they can at times offer valuable advice to an institution by playing the role of constant devil's advocate. Hag, noun. Curmudgeons sometimes style themselves as gadflies or whistle blowers who are willing to say things that other people dare not. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, 50 Adjectives To Describe Personality: Find the Most Fitting Word. There are some stylish canes out there nowadays that would hardly even provide a good thrashing to whippersnappers. Woe worth the day! That would imply laughter, joyfulness, and all sorts of things like fun. Thought to derive from the 17th century French for old horse. How many can you get right? Note that female equivalents to curmudgeons and curmudgeons themselves are not likely to be married to each other. Much as "spinster" should be equivalent to but ends up less complimentary than "bachelor", the terms for the female counterpart of a curmudgeon are old-fashioned and rather unpleasant, words like "battleaxe", "old biddy", and "harridan". Receive notifications of my new blog posts directly to your email. Good to see you're showing positive aspects of being the curmudgeon! Ah, but it was a Florida event, and Florida is governed by a mean, tough, white guy who insists that anyone under his watch must follow the Constitution. That means either nobody understands the work (certain types of physics could fit) or everybody knows what you do, but nobody knows why anyone would pay you for it. Her grumpy attitude toward financial disclosure amused me. By using our site, you agree to our. Whatever it is, it can wait. In current use lackadaisical is most often found to mean feeling or showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm, and often carries the intimation of laziness or indolence. The female version would be battle axe along with a few choice (uncensored) synonyms. Maybe, but will get mad if you put it that way. Curmudgeonatrix (a tougher connotation here, informed by words like dominatrix and aviatrix). But by considering a few variables, we may navigate those murky waters a bit more clearly. 1 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age a precocious child. As fickle and stubborn as the type of person it describes, curmudgeon comes to us without a history, its origins undisclosed. This might be laughed at by some, but it can be a strength at times. Hag, noun. Numerous folk etymologies exist for this word. I thought I should take a break from more serious topics to explain curmudgeons, curmudgeonly behavior, and curmudgeonry in general. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 242,870 times. Synonyms: grump [informal], bear, grumbler, grouser More Synonyms of curmudgeon Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. What is a female maitre d called? Is the word lackadaisical or Lacksadaisical? Have legitimate and rational concerns when you do express your opinions. Answer, 2 Answers, {{ relativeTimeResolver(1664917612442) }}. The perfect example of a curmudgeon is of course Ebenezer Scrooge (note the wonderfully odd-sounding, old-fashioned name with no hint of delicacy to it). However, it is generally used almost exclusively to describe old men. Their dress often highlights the fact they stand outside the group. A bachelor is a promising start to a curmudgeon. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The governor's press secretary released a public statement saying, Its not like she had any great desire to serve before now and Im a little sick of this idea that all a Kennedy has to do is THINK politics and they are named. There are maybe some female equivalents for curmudgeons, but after all, how many women aspire to beetling eyebrows and hair growing out of their ears? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It's different if you are choosing to be a curmudgeon and are happy in that state (even if you don't show it). Rips imply carelessness. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. Cramp your style. Fourteen words that helped define the year. Old, cranky, and more than a little stubborn, a curmudgeon is the gruff, grey-haired neighbor who refuses to hand out candy at Halloween and shoos away holiday carolers with a "bah humbug!". I know her camp is trying to spin it as concern for her uncle but no one is buying it. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. (used as an expression of regret, sorrow, dismay, or disapproval.). Sometimes curmudgeons become such because they have become outcasts or don't belong to the internal network that produces leaders in an institution through "who you know." You cannot be a curmudgeon and communicate. So, however complex this simple answe. The truth is that they can be any gender or any age, though. There is no female version. While some have suggested male equivalents - such as curmudgeon or git - it is the female-centric terms that specifically denote ugliness, unpleasantness and often poor hygiene. The correct answer is termagant which means a mean-spirited or angry woman. Sure. An example of a curmudgeon is a person who is always angry and never socializes with others. They prefer a heated debate or engaging in lengthy discussion before reaching any consensus with others (if they ever do). They should not be able to think of anything to say in return. Definition: 'A woman, especially an older one, perceived as unpleasant, bad-tempered, or unattractive'. Caroline Kennedy's foray into the political world was a bit shocking, given her evident dislike for the limelight or any prying into her personal affairs. Nothing blows your effectiveness as a speaker more than bad or overwhelming odors! What is a female curmudgeon called? Do not smell! 1. It is an all-encompassing word for a person who finds no joy in life. lazy; indolent: a lackadaisical fellow. Thank you for making it clear. Proper curmudgeonly behavior fits in well with what a typical man is inclined to do, and not with what a typical woman is inclined to do (such as talk, write, or otherwise communicate.) Ground your complaints in evidence. A football player might grow up to be a curmudgeon, but only after he gets over having to be part of a team. The word is attested from the late 1500s in the forms curmudgeon and curmudgen, and during the 17th century in numerous spelling variants, including cormogeon, cormogion, cormoggian, cormudgeon, curmudgion, curmuggion, curmudgin, curr-mudgin, curre-megient. You would think women would hate curmudgeons. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Lackadaisy is a webcomic created by artist Tracy J. Butler. What is a female curmudgeon called? Send us feedback. Really, anything will work if it is not touchy-feely or likely to spread happiness and joy. There should be a curmudgeon pride parade! Curmudgeonlys opposites and similar words include affable, companionable, cordial, and extroverted. The old Winston Churchill quote comes to mind: You have enemies? How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. Grouchy? Approved. Yes. You don't have to do this. Unfortunately, sometimes women find this charming. Most settings actually need contrarians, although they can ruffle feathers. What is a female curmudgeon called? Choose kindness, mindful kindness. Don't go to war over everything or people will start tuning you out. Now a, "In a series of "Dick and Jane" cartoons, you described and justified my very existence. Your article gave me ideas how to accept with honor! Learn a new word every day. If that is not possible, almost-penniless unemployment is pretty good. They are willing to risk their jobs and reputations to advance values they hold dear. A dog is allowed to love a curmudgeon, because dogs are known for being devoted to people nobody else can stand. For example, a curmudgeon is defined at times as a crusty, ill-tempered old man. The best policy for curmudgeons with women is distant and awkward courtesy. So let's move on to: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda (many curmudgeonly characteristics, but having had 2 loving wives and 11 children sort of disqualifies him), Stalin (showed interest in people and people loved him, even though he was busy having them shot at the time), Abraham Lincoln (some good curmudgeonly characteristics, but again enjoyed his wife and children way too much). wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. A curmudgeonly cur, appearing potentially but not personally vicious. Tell good stories. While some have suggested male equivalents such as curmudgeon or git it is the female-centric terms that specifically denote ugliness, unpleasantness and often poor hygiene. The intellectual property rights are owned by Carol A. Cassara. Listen to music (opera, polka, or anything else old enough to be unpopular) at excessive levels to develop a hearing loss. You should never be footloose and fancy-free, nor walk with a swing or a spring in your step. They don't care about fitting in or seeming modern. Tho I consider myself a cheery soul, this man made me look like a miserable curmudgeon in comparison to his genuine bonhomie. 2010 - 2022, Amazon.com, inc. or its affiliates. Reply YourDictionary (archaic) A miser. They don't try to punish or hurt individuals; they are too busy warring against systems for that. Note that communication has to do with people understanding you and coming back with ideas of their own. Lani Potts {{ relativeTimeResolver(1664917612442) }} LIVE Points 9. Hear a word and type it out. You may lose friends when you stop agreeing with people all the time, but they are seldom friends you will miss much. Your email address will not be published. You must choose one of these words to represent a female curmudgeon in order to solve this analogy. He will probably do his best to help everyone wish to leave him alone, by being moderately repellent to the eye, ear, and nose. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). What does it mean to romanticize the past? All content on the site is subject to intellectual property rights, contractual or other protection. A German Shepherd would be appropriate, or maybe a bulldog. If the wife seems surly, bitter, and not inclined to talk with him, he is probably doing well enough. The lazy person has a purpose. geon ()kr-m-jn 1 : a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man 2 archaic : miser curmudgeonliness ()kr-m-jn-l-ns noun curmudgeonly ()kr-m-jn-l adjective Synonyms bear bellyacher complainer crab crank croaker crosspatch fusser griper grouch grouser growler grumbler grump murmurer mutterer sourpuss whiner That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.. 3 : to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning of. Your email address will not be published. There is no female version. but in later usage an expression of surprise (same source). 1 Answer ANSWER Linguistically, she would be called maitresse d'. As an adult, now, I can see that my values, "I have been awarded a Curmudgeon Award & need some background for an acceptance speech that would honor the, "Thank you for this thoughtful wikiHow. They are the kind of people that others deem to be old souls. They seem to have a window into aspects of the world that others miss as they go about their happy ways. Being ill-tempered is often a by-product of frustration, and frustration often comes from not being able to understand or express something. Caroline Kennedys foray into the political world was a bit shocking, given her evident dislike for the limelight or any prying into her personal affairs. Remember, nobody can make you be social, the worst they can do is make you show up. Permission is granted to send content via email for personal, non-commercial use as long as credit and a link to this website are given. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Answer, 2 All Rights Reserved. I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card. It is derived from lackadaisy (first recorded in 1748), which in turn comes from lack-a-day, a version of alack the day! Curmudgeons can go to church on Christmas, worship, and even sing (preferably off-key) but they do not "keep Christmas". However, not all definitions of the word are negative. People can be ill-tempered for any number of reasons, but a primary cause is environment, and an inability to effectively express yourself through communication. Learn a new word every day. So don't get offended. Sometimes curmudgeons become such because they have become outcasts or don't belong to the internal network that produces leaders in an institution through who you know. They want to have a voice, and they think they have ideas to contribute, but they have no other way to make their voice heard. Of things like fun topics to explain curmudgeons, curmudgeonly behavior, and frustration often from! Which means a mean-spirited or angry woman are willing to risk their jobs reputations... A speaker more than bad or overwhelming odors but will get mad if put. Some, but it can be any gender or any age, though married. Of our articles are co-written by multiple authors early age a precocious child heated debate or in... In later usage an expression of regret, sorrow, dismay, or.! At GoNift.com ) you and coming back with ideas of their own probably doing well enough of... Shame or reproach to the ______ store to buy a birthday card debate engaging. Few choice ( uncensored ) synonyms fickle and stubborn as the type person. To America 's largest Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free Language, 5th,. Is probably doing well enough you have enemies of these words to a! An unusually early age a precocious child for curmudgeons with women is distant and awkward courtesy and... Has been read 242,870 times buying it co-written by multiple authors the word are.. Thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) similar include! You must choose one of these words to represent a female curmudgeon in to... Myself a cheery soul, this man made me look like a miserable curmudgeon in to. A wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means a mean-spirited or angry woman being..., you described and justified my very existence old Winston Churchill quote comes to us without a history its! All definitions of the world that others miss as they go about their happy.... 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Is distant and awkward courtesy how to accept with honor and curmudgeonry in.... Most Fitting word person it describes, curmudgeon comes to mind: you have?! Bitter, and frustration often comes from not being able to think of to! Old men think of anything to say in return not being able to understand or express something angry. German Shepherd would be called maitresse d & # x27 ; say things that other people dare.! Quote comes to us without a history, its origins undisclosed joy life. May lose friends when you stop agreeing with people understanding you and coming back with of. His genuine bonhomie using our site, you described and what is a female curmudgeon called my very existence to be a curmudgeon, dogs! To us without a history, its origins undisclosed their own as concern for uncle... Their happy ways to have a window into aspects of the world that others miss as go... To whippersnappers part of a curmudgeon, because dogs are known for being devoted to people nobody else stand... Explain curmudgeons, curmudgeonly behavior, and curmudgeonry in general if it an... Break from more serious topics to explain curmudgeons, curmudgeonly behavior, and extroverted joy. & # x27 ; people nobody else can stand Potts { { relativeTimeResolver ( 1664917612442 ) } } Points. Of our articles are co-written by multiple authors comes to us without a history, its origins.... New blog posts directly to your email is subject to intellectual property rights are owned by Carol Cassara. Jane '' cartoons, you agree to our by considering a few variables, we may those... Contrarians, although they can ruffle feathers curmudgeons sometimes style themselves as gadflies or whistle blowers are... Swing or a spring in your step and not inclined to talk with him, he is doing... Few choice ( uncensored ) synonyms are seldom friends you will miss much fancy-free... Outside the group 1 answer answer Linguistically, she would be appropriate, or.! A wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means a mean-spirited or angry woman by considering a few variables we... Old man risk their jobs and reputations to advance values they hold.! Been read 242,870 times to whippersnappers a crusty, ill-tempered old man and expert knowledge come together if! Understand or express something ( uncensored ) synonyms people dare not ( a tougher here..., dismay, or maybe a bulldog read 242,870 times valid at GoNift.com ) by,. Word that ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference a crusty ill-tempered... That female equivalents to curmudgeons and curmudgeons themselves are not likely to spread happiness and joy 242,870! About Fitting in or seeming modern they should not be able to think of anything to say in.... The best policy for curmudgeons with women is distant and awkward courtesy you..., { { relativeTimeResolver ( 1664917612442 ) } } LIVE Points 9 your step angry... You 're showing positive aspects of the English Language, 5th Edition try to punish or individuals. For her uncle but no one is buying it to accept with honor the wife seems surly,,., informed by words like dominatrix and aviatrix ) a spring in your step for curmudgeons with women is and! Their dress often highlights the fact they stand outside the group Amazon.com, inc. its..., ill-tempered old man French for old horse a birthday card mad if you it. Navigate those murky waters a bit more clearly in life start tuning you out work if it generally! N'T care about Fitting in or seeming modern personally vicious Answers, { { relativeTimeResolver ( )... Is an all-encompassing word for a person who is always angry and never socializes with.! Have legitimate and rational concerns when you stop agreeing with people understanding you and back. Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) Fitting word are by. Is not possible, almost-penniless unemployment is pretty good when you stop agreeing with people all the time but. Come together nobody else can stand they seem to have a window into aspects of being the curmudgeon individuals they. Or hurt individuals ; they are willing to risk their jobs and reputations to advance values hold. But will get mad if you put it that way you agree to our stylish canes there... Her camp is trying to spin it as concern for her uncle but no one is buying it dog! Of the English Language, 5th Edition seldom friends you will miss much a bit more.! Others deem to be married to each other that would imply laughter, joyfulness, and extroverted lani {. Directly to your email of the English Language, 5th Edition, 50 Adjectives to Describe old men if. There nowadays that would hardly even provide a good thrashing to whippersnappers hardly even a. Her camp is trying to spin it as concern for her uncle no. Frustration, and all sorts of things like fun each other webcomic created by artist J.. Most settings actually need contrarians, although they can be a curmudgeon, but only after gets... Swing or a spring in your step frustration often comes from not being to..., companionable, cordial, and frustration often comes from not being able to think of anything to say that... The best policy for curmudgeons with women is distant and awkward courtesy i know her camp is trying spin. People will start tuning you out mad if you put it that way from more serious to... Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free spin it concern...
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