cranky
UK: ˈkræŋki | US: ˈkræŋki
adj. easily irritated or annoyed; bad-tempered
adj. (of a machine or device) unstable or malfunctioning
adj. (archaic) full of twists or bends; crooked
crank<twist/bend> + y<adjective suffix>
- crank: From Middle English cranke, meaning "twist" or "bend," originally referring to a bent handle or mechanism. Later extended metaphorically to describe irritable behavior (as if "twisted" in mood).
- y: A common English suffix forming adjectives, often implying "characterized by" (e.g., funny, sunny).
Etymology Origin:
The word cranky began in the 18th century, derived from crank (an old term for a bending tool or whimsical idea). By the 19th century, it evolved to describe irritable people (as if their moods were "twisted") and later malfunctioning machines (acting unpredictably). The progression reflects a vivid metaphor: physical twisting → emotional instability → mechanical unreliability.
The old printer gets cranky when the paper is misaligned.
He’s always cranky before his morning coffee.
The cranky staircase creaked with every step.
Avoid discussing politics with Uncle Bob—he’s cranky about the topic.
The cranky engine finally stalled on the hill.