cranky

Everyday

1. (informal, US/Canada/Australia) Bad-tempered or easily annoyed, often because you are tired or hungry. tree →
2. (informal, UK) Strange or odd (cranky ideas). tree →
3. (of a machine) Not working well; unreliable. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk about children and families: «He's cranky because he missed his nap». In stories: a cranky old neighbour. UK usage leans to «odd»; North American to «grumpy». Similar: grumpy, grouchy, crabby, ratty (UK).

Examples

• The baby gets cranky when she's tired. tree →
• Don't be cranky; we'll eat soon. tree →
• Grandad is a bit cranky in the mornings. tree →
• The cranky old car wouldn't start. tree →
• I'm always cranky when I'm hungry. tree →
• The cranky shopkeeper shouted at the kids. tree →

Note

Informal. Adjective with -y: crankier, crankiest. Noun: crank (an odd person with strange ideas; or a handle you turn).