ornery
word
Definition
Describes someone who is often easily annoyed, stubborn, or difficult to get along with.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used informally, especially in American English, often affectionately for someone grumpy but not truly mean. Typically describes moods or personality—'an ornery old man.' Not as harsh as 'mean' or 'rude.'
Spanish: malhumorado - irritablePortuguese (BR): teimoso - ranzinzaPortuguese (PT): teimoso - rabugentoChinese (Simplified): 脾气坏 - 爱发脾气Chinese (Traditional): 脾氣壞 - 愛發脾氣Hindi: झगड़ालू - चिड़चिड़ाArabic: سيء المزاج - عنيدBengali: ঝগড়াটে - খিটখিটে - একগুঁয়েRussian: упрямый - сварливый - ворчливыйJapanese: いじっぱり - 意地悪（いやみ） - 気難しいVietnamese: cáu kỉnh - bướng bỉnh - khó chịuKorean: 심술궂은 - 짓궂은 - 까다로운Turkish: huysuz - inatçı - aksiUrdu: بد مزاج - ضدی - چڑچڑاIndonesian: pemarah - keras kepala - mudah tersinggung
Example Sentences
Grandpa gets a bit ornery when he misses his afternoon nap.
natural
She's being extra ornery today for some reason.
natural
Don’t mind him—he’s just a little ornery before his coffee.
natural
The ornery cat scratched everyone who tried to pet it.
basic
My little brother is always ornery in the morning.
basic
That ornery cow won't move from the road.
basic