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Meaning of ornery
The primary meaning of the word "ornery" is being irritable or disagreeable in nature.
Etymology of ornery
The word "ornery" originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, likely derived from the word "ordinary" with a shift in connotation to mean being disagreeable or stubborn, possibly influenced by the notion of someone being "ornery" or stubborn as ordinary or common behavior.
Synonyms
irritable
cranky
cantankerous
grouchy
grumpy
testy
touchy
prickly
peevish
quarrelsome
contentious
disagreeable
fractious
irascible
choleric
splenetic
waspish
snappish
cross
petulant
sulky
sullen
moody
ill-tempered
short-tempered
quick-tempered
bad-tempered
ill-humored
disagreeable
obstinate
stubborn
contrarian
perverse
intractable
refractory
uncooperative
hostile
antagonistic
belligerent
truculent
bellicose
Definitions
- Having a peevish or disagreeable disposition
- Being stubbornly resistant to control or opposition
- Having a tendency to be irritable or quarrelsome
Usage Examples
- The old man had an ornery reputation in town, and people avoided him.
- She was in an ornery mood after a long day at work and just wanted to be left alone.
- The ornery customer complained about the service and demanded to speak to the manager.