CultureAugust 8, 2026

curmudgeon

kur-MUJ-un

Definition

An ill-tempered, crusty, or grumpy person.

Etymology

Originating in the 16th century, the word's precise etymology is unknown, though it was historically used to describe a miser or a churlish, cantankerous individual.

In the news

The article uses the term in the site's author list to characterize a reviewer, suggesting someone with a cynical or traditional perspective on film.

The Boxer (1977) Blu-ray Review: The Fighter Still Remains

Read the full article ↗

Cinema Sentries

Related words

ambali

A type of traditional fermented food, specifically a porridge-like dish, common in…

Culture

appam

A type of South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and coconut milk,…

Culture

ceratosaur

A member of a group of predatory, often bipedal, theropod dinosaurs characterized by…

Culture

chongkukjang

A traditional Korean fermented soybean paste characterized by a very strong, pungent…

Culture

dhokla

A savory, fermented, steamed cake made from a batter of rice and chickpeas, originating…

Culture

doenjang

A traditional Korean fermented soybean paste that serves as a fundamental, savory staple…

Culture

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.