CROTCHETY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does crotchety mean? 

• CROTCHETY (adjective)
  The adjective CROTCHETY has 1 sense:

1. having a difficult and contrary disposition

  Familiarity information: CROTCHETY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CROTCHETY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a difficult and contrary disposition

Synonyms:

cantankerous; crotchety; ornery

Context example:

a cantankerous and venomous-tongued old lady

Similar:

ill-natured (having an irritable and unpleasant disposition)

Derivation:

crotchet (a strange attitude or habit)

crotchetiness (a fussy and eccentric disposition)

 Context examples 

James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow and not to be depended on.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I'm a crotchety old thing, and always shall be, but I'm willing to own that you are right, only it's easier for me to risk my life for a person than to be pleasant to him when I don't feel like it.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)