surly etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: surly, from Old English sūr ("sour, bitter")

Meaning:

  • Bad-tempered and unfriendly.
  • Disagreeable or unpleasant.
  • Obstinately disagreeable or uncooperative.

Origin:

The word "surly" originated from the Old English word "sūr," which meant "sour" or "bitter." It was first used to describe the taste of spoiled or acidic food. Over time, the word came to be used to describe a person's temperament, as someone who was sour or bitter in disposition.

The word "surly" has been used in English since the 14th century. It has undergone some semantic changes over time, broadening from its original meaning of "sour" to encompass a wider range of negative personality traits.

Additional Notes:

  • The word "surly" is often used to describe animals, particularly those that are aggressive or ill-tempered.
  • The word "surly" can also be used to describe the weather, especially when it is cold, windy, or unpleasant.

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