currish
UK: ˈkʌrɪʃ | US: ˈkɜːrɪʃ
adj. resembling or characteristic of a cur (a mean or aggressive dog); ill-tempered, snappish
adj. (archaic) base, contemptible
currish = cur<mean dog> + ish<adjective suffix>
- cur: From Middle English curre, meaning "a mongrel or aggressive dog," likely of Scandinavian origin (e.g., Old Norse kurra, "to grumble").
- ish: A suffix forming adjectives, from Old English -isc, indicating "having the nature of" or "resembling."
Etymology Origin:
The word currish combines cur (a term for a low-bred or vicious dog) with the suffix -ish, creating an adjective that describes someone or something as mean-spirited or ill-tempered, much like such a dog. The term reflects the historical association of dogs (especially mongrels) with aggression or low status, extending metaphorically to human behavior.
His currish behavior made him unpopular among his peers.
The landlord’s currish remarks offended the tenants.
She regretted her currish outburst during the meeting.
The critic’s currish review dismissed the artist’s work unfairly.
In older literature, villains are often described as currish to emphasize their base nature.