sourpuss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “sourpuss” mean?
A person who is habitually gloomy, bad-tempered, or unfriendly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is habitually gloomy, bad-tempered, or unfriendly.
A colloquial term for someone with a permanently sullen, pessimistic, or ill-humored disposition, often expressed through facial expression. It can imply a person who spoils the enjoyment of others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in North American English. In the UK, 'misery guts' or 'grump' might be more frequent informal equivalents.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a mildly humorous, slightly old-fashioned, and informal tone. It's not a highly offensive insult but a critical descriptor.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, it may sound like an Americanism or a consciously chosen, colorful term.
Grammar
How to Use “sourpuss” in a Sentence
[be/act like] a sourpussVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sourpuss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as an adjective. Use 'sour-faced'.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adjective. Use 'sour-faced'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used very informally to describe a consistently negative colleague, e.g., 'Trying to get approval from the department sourpuss is impossible.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Primary context. Used in casual conversation to describe someone's habitual bad mood, often with a touch of humor or frustration.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sourpuss”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sourpuss”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sourpuss”
- Using it to describe a single instance of bad mood (e.g., 'He's a sourpuss today'). It describes a habitual trait.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'sourpus' or 'sour puss'. It is a closed compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and critical, but not highly offensive or vulgar. It's more humorous or mildly exasperated than deeply insulting.
Yes, the term is gender-neutral, though historically 'puss' as 'face' was more common in male contexts (e.g., 'sourpuss'). It is applied to anyone today.
They are very close synonyms. 'Sourpuss' often emphasises the facial expression (a sour look), while 'grouch' may emphasise the complaining behaviour. They are frequently interchangeable.
It is still understood and used, particularly in North America, but it can sound somewhat old-fashioned or quaint to younger speakers. Words like 'hater', 'Debbie Downer', or simply 'grump' might be more contemporary in some circles.
A person who is habitually gloomy, bad-tempered, or unfriendly.
Sourpuss is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Sourpuss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊəpʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊ(ə)rˌpʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a sourpuss!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (a 'puss') that has eaten a lemon, making its face permanently puckered and sour. A 'sourpuss' has a face like that.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD TEMPER IS A SOUR TASTE / A PERSON IS THEIR FACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sourpuss' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?