Meaning & Definition of Surly in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Irritably sullen and angry.

  Example Sentence: His surly demeanor made it difficult to approach him.

• Definition: Marked by or exhibiting a forbidding or unapproachable attitude.

  Example Sentence: The surly waiter took our order with a scowl.

• Definition: Bad-tempered; unfriendly.

  Example Sentence: She received a surly response when she inquired about the service.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'serly', from the word 'surl', which means 'bitter' or 'sullen'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• surly disposition: An unfriendly or gloomy attitude.
• surly reply: A response characterized by a bad mood or gruffness.

Translations

• Spanish: grosero

• French: grincheux

• German: griesgrämig

• Russian: угрюмый

Related Words

• sullen: Gloomy or silent due to a state of anger.

• morose: Having a withdrawn and gloomy disposition.

Slang Meanings of surly

• Meaning: In a bad mood.

  Example Sentence: He was acting all surly after the game.

• Meaning: Unfriendly or difficult to deal with.

  Example Sentence: I don't like talking to him; he's just so surly.