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Definition of crotchety

crotchety

/ˈkrɑː.tʃə.ti/
crotch · et · y
Adverb:crotchetily
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crotchety Lexical Profile

crotchety Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Irritable, ill-tempered, and easily annoyed (especially of an older person); subject to odd whims or fancies.

Example

"The crotchety shopkeeper complained bitterly whenever customers took too long browsing the shelves."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for crotchety
Antonyms
View all antonyms for crotchety

• Nearby Words

crostini
crostino
crotch
crotchety
crotchless
croton
crouch

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the noun 'crotchet' (meaning a perverse whim or eccentric fancy) plus the suffix '-y'. 'Crotchet' itself derives from Old French 'crochet', a diminutive of 'croc' (hook).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crotchety. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crotchety
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