crotchety
UK: ˈkrɒtʃ.ɪ.ti | US: ˈkrɑː.tʃə.ti
adj. irritable, eccentric, or stubborn, especially in a petty or whimsical way
crotchety = crotchet<hook, whim> + y<adjective suffix>
- crotchet: From Old French crochet (small hook), derived from croc (hook), ultimately from Germanic origin. In English, it evolved to mean "whim" or "peculiar idea" (like a mental "hook").
- y: A suffix forming adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "full of."
Etymology Origin:
The word crotchety paints a vivid picture: its root crotchet originally referred to a small hook (literal or metaphorical), later symbolizing a quirky or stubborn thought "hooked" in one’s mind. The suffix -y amplifies this trait, creating an adjective for someone persistently eccentric or irritable—like a person clinging to odd ideas.
The crotchety old man yelled at kids to stay off his lawn.
Her crotchety demeanor made teamwork difficult.
He grew increasingly crotchety as the meeting dragged on.
Despite his crotchety exterior, he had a kind heart.
The crotchety librarian enforced silence with a glare.