meldrew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumInformal, Humorous, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “meldrew” mean?
A person who is habitually irritable, complaining, and pessimistic, especially an older man.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is habitually irritable, complaining, and pessimistic, especially an older man.
A stereotypical grumpy, cantankerous individual who finds fault with modern life and expresses constant dissatisfaction; a chronic pessimist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively British, as the source material is a British TV show. It is rarely understood or used in American English without explanation.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes a specific, culturally recognized type of humorous grumpiness. In American English, if recognized, it carries the same meaning but is a niche cultural reference.
Frequency
Common in UK media and informal speech. Extremely rare in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “meldrew” in a Sentence
[determiner] + Meldrewbe/act like + [determiner] + Meldrewturn into + [determiner] + MeldrewVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meldrew” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was in a very Meldrew-ish mood after the train was cancelled.
- She gave a Meldrew-esque sigh at the news.
American English
- His Meldrew-like attitude about the coffee was amusing.
- It was a classic Meldrew response.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; potentially in informal conversation to describe a chronically dissatisfied client or colleague.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often humorously, to describe someone's temporary or permanent grumpy demeanor.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meldrew”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meldrew”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meldrew”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He meldrewed about the weather').
- Using it without a capital letter in formal contexts (though often lowercised informally).
- Assuming it is a standard English word with a long history.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Formally, yes, as it derives from a proper name (Victor Meldrew). In informal writing, it is often seen in lower case ('meldrew').
Not typically. It is usually used humorously and affectionately, though calling someone a Meldrew to their face could be taken as an insult depending on context and tone.
Yes, though the archetype is male. It can be applied to a woman, often phrased as 'She's a real Meldrew' or 'a female Meldrew'.
Its use is almost entirely confined to the UK and other countries familiar with the BBC comedy 'One Foot in the Grave'. It is very rare in American English.
A person who is habitually irritable, complaining, and pessimistic, especially an older man.
Meldrew is usually informal, humorous, colloquial in register.
Meldrew: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛldruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛlˌdru/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a Victor Meldrew!”
- “Having a Meldrew moment”
- “I don't believe it! (a catchphrase associated with the character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a man named MEL who constantly DREWs (drew) complaints and frowns on everyone's face. Mel Drew = Meldrew, the grumpy one.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A FICTIONAL CHARACTER (eponym); GRUMPINESS IS A DEFINING PERSONALITY TRAIT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the word 'Meldrew'?