surly
What does "surly" mean?
Surly describes someone who is bad-tempered, unfriendly, and rude. The mental image is of a person with a permanent scowl, someone who acts as though every interaction is an unwelcome intrusion or a burden they are forced to endure. This word is typically used to describe someone’s demeanor or tone of voice. It implies a sense of bitterness or sullen hostility rather than an explosive or loud anger. It is often paired with nouns like "waiter," "teenager," or "guard" to describe service workers or individuals who seem annoyed by the presence of others.
"surly" in conversation
At a coffee shop
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Can't you see I'm busy? Go find somewhere else.
Can't you see I'm busy? Go find somewhere else.
The stranger's response is a classic example of a surly attitude.
Discussing a bad experience
The service at that restaurant was awful.
The service at that restaurant was awful.
I know, the server was so surly the entire time we were ordering.
I know, the server was so surly the entire time we were ordering.
'Surly' is frequently used to describe poor customer service.
"surly" in a sentence
He gave me a surly look.
He gave me a surly look.
The surly teenager refused to answer any of his mother's questions.
The surly teenager refused to answer any of his mother's questions.
Despite the surly disposition of the gatekeeper, we managed to gain entry to the estate.
Despite the surly disposition of the gatekeeper, we managed to gain entry to the estate.
