cantankerous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of cantankerous
First recorded in 1765–75; origin uncertain; earlier contankerous , perhaps derivation of Middle English contack, conteck “quarrel, contention,” from Anglo-French contek, formed on the models of contentious, rancorous
Explanation
If someone is cantankerous he has a difficult disposition. Take care not to throw your ball into the yard of the cantankerous old man down the street — he'll cuss you out and keep your ball. The origin of cantankerous is unclear (it may be at least partly from Middle English contek 'dissension'), but ever since it first appeared in plays from the 1770s, it's been a popular way to describe someone who is quarrelsome and disagreeable. It is usually applied to people, but stubborn animals like mules are also described as cantankerous. Events can be cantankerous too, like a cantankerous debate. Some synonyms are cranky, bad-tempered, irritable, irascible.
Vocabulary lists containing cantankerous
In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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Negative Words to Describe a Person
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Grade 10, List 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cantankerous sounds like a word you would append to a beloved but grumpy old relation, and – in the film at least – there’s nothing lovable whatsoever about Ginger Baker.
From The Guardian • Oct. 6, 2019
Cantankerous and proud, he’s never been one to sugarcoat his words, and he has no intention of refashioning himself as a pillar of sensitivity for a sensitive age.
From The Guardian • Apr. 24, 2018
Cantankerous outlaws and merciless nature are out to kill the arroyo toads of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2016
Cantankerous Alaska congressman Don Young, known as “Mr. Pork,” has seemingly been ostracized from the beard community.
From Slate • Apr. 18, 2012
“Fasting doesn’t do old Cantankerous any good,” said Dickenson in a half-whisper.
From The Kopje Garrison A Story of the Boer War by Boucher, W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
