grump: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, conversational. Sometimes humorous.
Quick answer
What does “grump” mean?
To complain or express discontent in a bad-tempered, sulky way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To complain or express discontent in a bad-tempered, sulky way; a person who habitually does this.
A temporary fit of ill humour; the act of complaining in a grouchy manner. It can also refer to a vaguely defined, unspecified complaint or grievance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The word is slightly more established and perhaps more frequently used in British English, but the difference is minor.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests childishness or petulance rather than serious anger. It can be used affectionately ('Don't be such a grump!').
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both. More common in spoken than written language.
Grammar
How to Use “grump” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] grump (about [OBJ])[SUBJ] be/have a grump[SUBJ] grump that [CLAUSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grump” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been grumping about the weather since he got here.
- Stop grumping and help us set the table.
American English
- She grumped that the coffee was too weak.
- He just grumps around the house all weekend.
adverb
British English
- 'Grumpily' is the standard adverb; 'grump' as an adverb is non-standard.
- He replied grump (non-standard).
American English
- 'Grumpily' is the standard adverb; 'grump' as an adverb is non-standard.
- She sat down grump (non-standard).
adjective
British English
- 'Grumpy' is the standard adjective; 'grump' as an adjective is non-standard or dialectal.
- He gave a grump sigh (non-standard).
American English
- 'Grumpy' is the standard adjective; 'grump' as an adjective is non-standard or dialectal.
- She was in a grump mood (non-standard).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously in informal meetings: 'The client's been grumping about the delivery time again.'
Academic
Extremely rare, except perhaps in literary analysis of character.
Everyday
Common in family and social contexts to describe minor, temporary bad moods.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grump”
- Using it in overly formal contexts. Confusing 'grump' (n/v) with 'grumpy' (adj) in syntax, e.g., 'He is a grumpy' (wrong) vs. 'He is a grump' or 'He is grumpy' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Grump' is primarily a noun (a person) or a verb (to act moodily). 'Grumpy' is an adjective describing someone in that state. You can 'be a grump' or 'be grumpy'.
No, it's informal but not rude. It's often used in a light-hearted, teasing, or affectionate way, especially within families.
Standard English uses 'grumpy' as the adjective. Using 'grump' as an adjective (e.g., 'a grump man') is considered non-standard or dialectal.
Yes, they are etymologically related. Both words are thought to be imitative in origin, echoing the sound of muttering or complaining.
To complain or express discontent in a bad-tempered, sulky way.
Grump is usually informal, conversational. sometimes humorous. in register.
Grump: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrʌmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrʌmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get out of bed on the wrong side (and be a grump all day).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'GRR' (like a growl) + 'UMP' (a lump). A grump is a person who is a 'growly lump' of bad temper.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD MOOD IS A CLOUD / PERSON IS A STORM (to have a grump).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the typical register of 'grump'?