grump

American  

[gruhmp] / grʌmp /

noun

1. a person given to constant complaining.

2. Informal. the grumps, a depressed or sulky mood.

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verb (used without object)

1. to complain or sulk.

grump British  

/ ɡrʌmp /

noun

1. a surly or bad-tempered person

2. (plural) a sulky or morose mood (esp in the phrase have the grumps )

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verb

1. (intr) to complain or grumble

Etymology

Origin of grump

First recorded in 1835–45; probably back formation from grumpy

Explanation

A grouchy, complaining person is a grump. If you mope around all week during a rainy vacation with your family, don't be surprised if they call you a grump. Before grump came to mean a cranky person, the phrase the grumps was used for "a fit of ill-humor." The word may stem from a now-obsolete adjective, grum, "morose or surly." If your neighbor is a grump, he won't be amused by the massive water balloon fight in your yard — but it still may be worth baking him some cookies as an apology for scaring his little dog.

Example Sentences

Mitts’ personality is reminiscent of Sam Sylvia, Maron’s lovable grump of a director on Netflix’s wrestling dramedy “GLOW.”

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2025

In fact, it’s Grant’s sense of humor that led “Wonka” director Paul King to cast him for the role in the film: His Oompa Loompa is also a grump.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

One is a cynical grump whose cold-hearted plot to steal Christmas dampens the festive mood.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2022

Olivia Colman is just a sort of constant grump, garnished with the occasional fury.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2022

“You’re such a grump in the morning,” she said, shaking her head.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio