curmudgeonly

American  

[ker-muhj-uhn-lee] / kərˈmʌdʒ ən li /

adjective

1. like or characteristic of a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.

   While one could point a curmudgeonly finger of blame at “these young kids today,” many older Americans haven't exactly been model citizens either.

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adverb

1. in the manner of such a person.

   After several weak episodes the new season seems to be finally snapping into place—although I am, curmudgeonly, a little peeved that it took so long.

Etymology

Origin of curmudgeonly

curmudgeon ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Larry David, who as the show’s curmudgeonly star is better known for breaking social norms than actual laws, travels to Atlanta in the episode.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

A curmudgeonly teacher at an exclusive boys' school in the 1970s reluctantly finds himself having to look after a group of students who aren't able to return home for the holidays.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2023

“American Fiction” finds Wright, like Giamatti, playing a curmudgeonly educator whose hard exterior masks a tender longing.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2023

Berkshire’s legions of devoted shareholders who regularly packed an Omaha arena to listen to the two men will remember the curmudgeonly quips Munger offered while answering questions alongside Buffett at the annual meetings.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

It was the cantankerous, curmudgeonly talk show humorist Jean Shepherd who entranced him.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• boorish
• dour
• irritable
• morose
• rude
• sullen
• testy
• ugly