cantankerous

== English == === Etymology === Perhaps derived from earlier contenkerous, from contentious + rancorous. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /kænˈtæŋkəɹəs/, /kənˈtæŋkəɹəs/ === Adjective === cantankerous (comparative more cantankerous, superlative most cantankerous) Given to or marked by an ill-tempered, quarrelsome nature; ill-tempered, cranky, crabby. Synonyms: cranky, crotchety; see also Thesaurus:irritable ==== Usage notes ==== The word cantankerous is generally used to describe an unpleasant elderly person in a slightly pejorative manner. However, the term can be used to people in general, livestock, and machinery as well. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ====