sulky

Sulky is an adjective used to describe someone who is in a moody, pouty, or sullen state. A sulky person tends to be withdrawn, uncommunicative, and uncooperative. The noun sulky can refer to this mood or to a person who exhibits such behavior. The term derives from the verb sulk, meaning to be silently ill-tempered or morose.

In sports, a sulky is a lightweight, two-wheeled racing cart used in harness racing and pace racing. The driver sits on a small seat behind the horse and steers with reins attached to the horse's bit. The sulky is designed to minimize weight and maximize speed, typically built from aluminum or composite materials, with a simple frame, an axle, and large wheels. The horse is harnessed to the sulky via traces, and the driver controls pace and direction through reins and body position. Regulations in many jurisdictions specify dimensions, weight limits, and permissible equipment to ensure safety and fairness.

In everyday language, calling someone sulky implies they are sulking or in a deliberately moody, withdrawn mood rather than merely being sad.