Surly (Adjective)
Meaning
Inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace; "a surly waiter"; "an ugly frame of mind".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The customer's rude complaint put the manager in a surly mood that was apparent to everyone in the room.
- After losing his keys, Jack had become increasingly surly, barking orders at anyone who approached him.
- As he stared us down, it was clear the intimidating tattooed man had a naturally surly disposition.
- Given his team had lost their chance at the playoffs, it wasn't surprising their normally stoic coach looked a bit surly in the press conference.
- Liz worked part-time with a boss known to have a perpetual surly expression and demeanour around new staff members.