cantankerous
Meaning: Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative, especially as a habitual character trait often associated with older people.
Cantankerous is a colourful word that implies a stubborn, combative grumpiness. It is often applied with a degree of affection or amusement — a cantankerous old man is a stock character in British fiction and comedy. The word has a distinctly British flavour and is more vivid and informal than 'irascible.' It collocates naturally with 'old' and suggests someone who is difficult but not malicious.
Examples
- The cantankerous shopkeeper refused to serve anyone who arrived after half past four, regardless of the posted hours. 那个脾气古怪的店主拒绝招待任何四点半以后才到的顾客,无论店铺标示的营业时间如何。El tendero cascarrabias se negaba a atender a cualquiera que llegase después de las cuatro y media, independientemente del horario publicado.その気難しい店主は、掲示された営業時間に関係なく、四時半以降に来た客には誰であれ対応を拒否した。그 심술궂은 가게 주인은 게시된 영업 시간과 상관없이 네 시 반 이후에 오는 사람은 누구든 응대를 거부했다.
- Despite his cantankerous reputation, the professor was deeply beloved by students who persisted long enough to earn his respect. 尽管以脾气坏著称,那位教授深受那些坚持足够久、最终赢得他认可的学生们的爱戴。A pesar de su fama de cascarrabias, el profesor era profundamente querido por los alumnos que persistían el tiempo suficiente para ganarse su respeto.頑固者で有名であったにもかかわらず、その教授は十分に粘り強く通い続けて敬意を勝ち取った学生たちから深く愛されていた。까다롭기로 유명했음에도 불구하고, 그 교수는 충분히 오래 버텨 그의 존경을 얻어낸 학생들에게 깊이 사랑받았다.
- The village was home to a cantankerous goat that terrorised postmen and cyclists alike. 村里有一只脾气暴躁的山羊,邮递员和骑自行车的人都深受其害。En el pueblo vivía una cabra cascarrabias que aterrorizaba por igual a carteros y ciclistas.村には郵便配達人もサイクリストも同様に恐怖に陥れる、気性の荒い山羊がいた。마을에는 우편배달부와 자전거 타는 사람 모두를 공포에 빠뜨리는 심술궂은 염소 한 마리가 살고 있었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, literary, media
Tone: negative
Origin & History
Of uncertain origin, first recorded in the mid-18th century. Possibly a blend of contentious and rancorous, or from Anglo-Irish cantankerous (contentious). The word has no clear Latin or French root.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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