Surly Meaning in English
word
ˈsɝɫi
SUR-lee
sˈɜːli
SUR-lee
Definition
Someone who is surly is unfriendly, bad-tempered, or rude, often showing it through their attitude or words.
Usage & Nuances
"Surly" is fairly formal and stronger than just "grumpy" or "moody." Commonly used to describe rude service workers or unfriendly attitudes. Usually implies visible anger or hostility.
Spanish: arisco - hosco - malhumoradoPortuguese (BR): ranzinza - mal-humorado - rabugentoPortuguese (PT): ranzinza - mal-humorado - carrancudoChinese (Simplified): 脾气暴躁的 - 粗鲁的Chinese (Traditional): 脾氣暴躁的 - 粗魯的Hindi: असभ्य - तुनकमिजाजArabic: فظ - سيء الطبعBengali: অপ্রিয় - খিটখিটে - রূঢ়Russian: угрюмый - неприветливый - хмурыйJapanese: 不機嫌な - 無愛想なVietnamese: gắt gỏng - cau có - khó chịuKorean: 무뚝뚝한 - 퉁명스러운 - 불친절한Turkish: asık suratlı - suratsız - aksiUrdu: ترش رو - بدخلق - اکھڑIndonesian: galak - cemberut - bermusuhan
Example Sentences
The waiter gave us a surly look.
basic
He became surly when I asked him to help.
basic
Don't be surly with your friends.
basic
His surly attitude made everyone avoid him at the party.
natural
Even on good days, he can come across as surly without meaning to.
natural
The surly cashier barely spoke a word to us the whole time.
natural