cranky etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: cranky, from Old Norse kranki, meaning "sick, weak"
  • Possibly related to Old English cranc, meaning "crane" (bird)

Meaning:

  • Irritable, bad-tempered, or impatient
  • Unstable or unreliable

Origin:

The word "cranky" has its roots in Old Norse, where it was used to describe someone who was sick or weak. The term may also have been influenced by the Old English word "cranc," which referred to a crane bird. Cranes are known for their long, slender legs and tendency to balance precariously on one foot, which could have led to the association with instability and irritability.

In Middle English, the word "cranky" began to be used more broadly to describe someone who was in a bad mood or difficult to deal with. By the 16th century, it had developed the additional meaning of "unstable" or "unreliable."

Today, "cranky" is commonly used to describe people who exhibit irritability, impatience, or a short temper. It can also refer to things that are unstable or malfunctioning.

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