grouch

American  

[grouch] / graʊtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to be sulky or morose; show discontent; complain, especially in an irritable way.

---

noun

1. a sulky, complaining, or morose person.

   Synonyms:

   killjoy, crab, spoilsport, grumbler

2. a sulky, irritable, or morose mood.

grouch British  

/ ɡraʊtʃ /

verb

1. to complain; grumble

---

noun

1. a complaint, esp a persistent one

2. a person who is always grumbling

Etymology

Origin of grouch

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; variant of obsolete grutch, from Middle English grucchen, gruchen “to murmur, grumble,” from Old French grocier, grouchier “to grumble”; grudge

Example Sentences

But now that he’s gone, the hoodie-wearing coach even poked fun at his reputation as a grouch.

From Seattle Times

Though he became most celebrated for his endearing grouches, Alan Arkin was a versatile performer, equally capable of drama or comedy, with an idiosyncratic knack for combining the two.

From Los Angeles Times

And there will be no Oscar for this grouch.

From Washington Post

Beyond all the knowledge and talent, beyond the frequent smiles and occasional grouching, David was a guy who really cared.

From Seattle Times

Jeff Kent was a grouch until the bitter end but he was one of a kind.

From Los Angeles Times