grouch
pronunciation
How to pronounce grouch in British English:
UK [graʊtʃ]
How to pronounce grouch in American English:
US [ɡraʊtʃ]
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- Noun:
- a bad-tempered person
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- Verb:
- show one's unhappiness or critical attitude
Word Origin
- grouch (n.)
- "ill-tempered person," 1896, earlier "state of irritable glumness" (1890, in expressions such as to have a grouch on), U.S. college student slang, of uncertain origin, possibly from grutching "complaint, grumbling" (see grutch). The Grouch, on the other Hand, gave a correct Imitation of a Bear with a Sore Toe. His Conversation was largely made up of Grunts. He carried a Facial Expression that frightened little Children in Street Cars and took all the Starch out of sentimental Young Ladies. He seemed perpetually to carry the Hoof-Marks of a horrible Nightmare. [George Ade, "People You Know," 1902] The verb is 1916, from the noun. Related: Grouched; grouching. Grouch bag "purse for carrying money secretly" (1908), probably so called for keeping the cash hidden from compatriots; it is the source of the nickname of U.S. comedian Julius "Groucho" Marx (1890-1977), who supposedly carried his money to poker games in one.
Example
- 1. In a grouch about the long line for tickets .
- 2. I am a grouch before my first cup of coffee .
- 3. You 're nothing but an old grouch !
- 4. Airlines grouch that landing fees always rise at privatised airports .
- 5. Of course , they all call me a grouch .