grinch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, figurative, slightly humorous
Quick answer
What does “grinch” mean?
A person who spoils or ruins the enjoyment of others, especially during festive occasions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who spoils or ruins the enjoyment of others, especially during festive occasions; a killjoy.
A cynical, ill-tempered, or miserly individual who dislikes and tries to spoil communal happiness, celebration, or generosity. Often used more broadly for anyone who is persistently grumpy or opposed to fun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The cultural reference is equally understood in both varieties due to global exposure to the story and film adaptations. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a festive killjoy, with a humorous, non-threatening tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the origin of the source material, but widely used and understood in British English, especially around Christmas.
Grammar
How to Use “grinch” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + grinchbe/look/sound like + a + grinchverb + like + a + grinchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grinch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to grinch the office party by complaining about the budget.
American English
- Don't let him grinch your holiday spirit.
adjective
British English
- He's got a really grinchy attitude about the team lunch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to describe a colleague opposed to team celebrations or bonuses.
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural or literary studies discussing the character.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation, especially around holidays, to describe someone ruining the fun.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grinch”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grinch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grinch”
- Using it as a verb without context (e.g., 'Don't grinch me!' is non-standard).
- Spelling: 'Grench', 'Grince'.
- Overusing it for any mildly annoyed person, losing the core meaning of 'spoiling enjoyment'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally, meaning 'to spoil or ruin (something enjoyable)', especially in a grumpy way (e.g., 'He grinched the party'). However, the noun form is far more common.
Primarily, yes, due to its origin ('How the Grinch Stole Christmas'). However, its meaning has broadened to describe anyone who acts as a killjoy for any festive or enjoyable event (e.g., a 'birthday Grinch').
They are very similar. 'Scrooge' (from Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol') specifically connotes miserliness and a dislike of Christmas. 'Grinch' connotes actively spoiling others' fun and a more cartoonish, grumpy malice. They are often used interchangeably as festive killjoys.
Yes, it is pejorative. However, it is often used in a lightly humorous, teasing way rather than as a severe insult (e.g., 'Oh, don't be such a grinch!').
A person who spoils or ruins the enjoyment of others, especially during festive occasions.
Grinch is usually informal, figurative, slightly humorous in register.
Grinch: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrɪn(t)ʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrɪn(t)ʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Grinch who stole Christmas”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRINCH = GRump who wINCHes (steals) your happiness. He GRINds your CHerfulness away.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAPPINESS IS A POSSESSION / CELEBRATION IS A GIFT (that can be stolen). A person is a thief (of joy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is calling someone a 'grinch' MOST appropriate?