ornery etymology

Etymology

The word "ornery" comes from the Latin word "ornāre," which means "to adorn or equip." It entered the English language in the 16th century, originally meaning "well-behaved" or "orderly." However, over time, its meaning shifted to its current negative connotation.

Meaning

Ornery means "bad-tempered, disagreeable, or stubborn." It is often used to describe someone who is difficult to deal with or who is prone to causing trouble.

Origin

The origin of the word's negative connotation is unclear. One theory suggests that it came about due to the difficulty of equipping or organizing unruly or rebellious individuals. Another theory suggests that it arose from the frustration of dealing with those who were unwilling to conform to social norms.

Examples

• The ornery neighbor always complains about the noise from our yard.
• The child was so ornery that his parents couldn't take him anywhere.
• The old man was ornery and refused to talk to anyone.

ornery relate terms

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