Crabbed

/kræbd/ adjective

Definition

Grumpy, irritable, or difficult to deal with; also can describe handwriting that is cramped and hard to read.

Etymology

From 'crab' in the sense of a crabby person, with -ed used as an adjective suffix. The metaphor likely comes from the crab's sideways, awkward movement and snapping claws.

Kelly Says

We call grumpy people 'crabby' because crabs move sideways in a difficult, awkward way—metaphors from animal behavior have shaped how we describe human personality for centuries.

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