surly — bad-tempered and unfriendly
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: bad-tempered and unfriendly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɜːrli/
Korean meaning: 퉁명스러운, 무뚝뚝한
Korean pronunciation: **설**리
Example Sentences
- The surly bouncer wouldn't even look at my ID before saying no.
- My cat becomes surly whenever it's bath time.
- The surly teenager grunted instead of answering properly.
surly
ADJECTIVE//ˈsɜːrli//
bad-tempered and unfriendly
💡 Concept
someone being bad-tempered and unfriendly toward others
🎤Pronunciation
🇺🇸 US/ˈsɜːrli/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsɜːli/
🌳Etymology
Rootsur
Suffix--ly
Origin
From Middle English 'sirly', originally meaning 'lordly' or 'imperious' (from 'sir' + '-ly'). The meaning gradually shifted from 'lordly and dignified' to 'arrogantly lordly' and finally to 'bad-tempered and rude'.
🎵Rhyme
earlyburlycurly
early
burly
curly
🔗Collocations
surly manner
surly response
surly employee
surly customer
surly attitude
grow surly
📝Examples
😄 Fun example
“The surly bouncer wouldn't even look at my ID before saying no.”
😄 Fun example
“My cat becomes surly whenever it's bath time.”
“The surly teenager grunted instead of answering properly.”
😄 Fun example
“Even the morning coffee couldn't fix his surly mood.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
grumpymorosechurlishsullenhostile
Antonyms
friendlycheerfulpleasant
Related
rudegruffcrankyirritable
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