The difference between Grumpy and Surly

When used as adjectives, grumpy means dissatisfied and irritable, whereas surly means irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.


Surly is also adverb with the meaning: in an arrogant or supercilious manner.

check bellow for the other definitions of Grumpy and Surly

  1. Grumpy as an adjective:

    Dissatisfied and irritable.

    Examples:

    "Tommy feels very grumpy today because his friend stole his ball."

  1. Surly as an adjective:

    Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.

  2. Surly as an adjective:

    Threatening, menacing, gloomy.

    Examples:

    "The surly weather put us all in a bad mood."

  3. Surly as an adjective (obsolete):

    Lordly, arrogant, supercilious.

  1. Surly as an adverb (obsolete):

    In an arrogant or supercilious manner.

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