Uffish

Uffish is a term coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1871 novel "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There." It describes a particular mood or state of mind, often characterized by a gruff, dismissive, or uncooperative demeanor. The character of the Tweedledum and Tweedledee reflects this uffish quality, being prone to petty squabbles and obstinate arguments.

Alice first encounters the concept when discussing the poem "Jabberwocky" with Humpty Dumpty. Humpty Dumpty explains that "uffish" means something like "huffy" or "angry," but with a sense of self-importance and a reluctance to engage in pleasantries. It suggests a feeling of being put out or offended, often without a clear or significant reason. The term captures a specific kind of peevishness that is both irritable and somewhat proud.

The word is not a standard English term and exists primarily within the context of Carroll's imaginative world. However, it has seeped into some literary discussions and has been used to describe characters or situations exhibiting similar traits of grumpy self-satisfaction or easily offended pride. Its meaning is closely tied to the whimsical and often nonsensical logic that pervades Carroll's works, where words can be invented and assigned peculiar meanings. The uffish disposition is one that prefers its own company and its own way, often with a slight air of superiority.