sorehead

American  

[sawr-hed, sohr-] / ˈsɔrˌhɛd, ˈsoʊr- /

noun

Informal.

1. a disgruntled or vindictive person, especially an unsportsmanlike loser.

   Don't be such a sorehead, they won fair and square.

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sorehead British  

/ ˈsɔːˌhɛd /

noun

1. informal a peevish or disgruntled person

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Other Word Forms

• soreheadedly adverb
• soreheadedness noun

Etymology

Origin of sorehead

1840–50; compare Scots sorehead a headache

Example Sentences

Other writers and players called him a "loudmouth," a "sorehead" and worse.

From Salon • May 14, 2022

If you are a sorehead because you lost, you shouldn't play.

From New York Times • Aug. 25, 2016

"You would look likea sorehead if you didn't," he said.

From Time • Apr. 12, 2012

Only a sorehead would fuss about too much celebration of the idea of home during the festive winter season.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some who did had refused to have anything to do with the "sorehead" crowd.

From The High School Left End Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)