cranky

Cranky is an English adjective used to describe a mood or temperament characterized by irritability, impatience, or ill will. A cranky person tends to snap at others, complain, or show low tolerance for delays, interruptions, or minor annoyances. The term often implies that the irritability is temporary and caused by factors such as fatigue, hunger, or stress, though it can also describe a generally irritable disposition in informal usage.

Usage and nuance: Cranky is informal and commonly appears in everyday speech. It can describe people, animals, or things that seem difficult to operate or uncooperative. Common collocations include "cranky mood," "cranky neighbor," or "cranky toddler." Related synonyms include irritable, grouchy, cross, and surly; antonyms include cheerful, patient, and calm. The word is sometimes used humorously or affectionately, as in "He’s a bit cranky today, but harmless."

Etymology: Cranky is formed from the noun crank with the adjectival suffix -y. The sense originated in English in the 19th century and came to describe irritability or ill temper, rather than physical twisting or difficulty.