cantankerous etymology

Etymology:

The word "cantankerous" is derived from the Middle English word "contankerous," which in turn comes from the Old French word "contentieux," meaning "quarrelsome" or "argumentative." The ultimate origin of the word is the Latin word "contentio," meaning "strife" or "dispute."

Meaning:

Cantankerous means ill-tempered, quarrelsome, or argumentative. It often refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or who is constantly finding fault with others.

Origin:

The word "cantankerous" first appeared in English in the mid-15th century. It was originally used to describe people who were involved in legal disputes or who were known for their quarrelsome nature. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include anyone who is generally ill-tempered or argumentative.

Examples of Usage:

• "The cantankerous old man was always finding fault with the younger generation."
• "The boss's cantankerous attitude made it difficult to work with him."
• "The cantankerous couple were constantly arguing and bickering."

Synonyms:

• Quarrelsome
• Argumentative
• Ill-tempered
• Irritable
• Cranky

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