sulky: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Descriptive, slightly informal, used in both conversational and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sulky” mean?
Morose, sullen, or bad-tempered, often due to resentment or disappointment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Morose, sullen, or bad-tempered, often due to resentment or disappointment; characterized by silent, withdrawn resentment.
In addition to describing a person's mood, 'sulky' can refer to a light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage designed for a single passenger (from the 19th century). The connection is the sense of being alone and withdrawn.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The noun form for the carriage is historical and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, implies childishness or a lack of maturity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English, but not significantly.
Grammar
How to Use “sulky” in a Sentence
ADV + sulky (e.g., 'unusually sulky')sulky + N (e.g., 'sulky adolescent')V + sulky (e.g., 'become/get/act sulky')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulky” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb; the verb is 'sulk')
American English
- (Not standard as a verb; the verb is 'sulk')
adverb
British English
- (Rare, 'sulkily' is used) 'He answered sulkily, avoiding eye contact.'
American English
- (Rare, 'sulkily' is used) 'She slumped down sulkily on the couch.'
adjective
British English
- He's been in a sulky mood ever since his team lost the match.
- The toddler gave a sulky shrug when told it was bedtime.
American English
- She got sulky after her suggestion was voted down.
- His sulky attitude was bringing down the whole group's energy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'After the merger was announced, a few sulky executives resisted the new directives.'
Academic
Very rare in core academic texts; might appear in literary or psychological analysis.
Everyday
Common for describing children, partners, or friends in a bad mood. 'Don't be so sulky just because you can't go out.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulky”
- Using 'sulky' to mean simply 'quiet' or 'shy' (it requires an element of resentful pouting).
- Confusing with 'bulky' (large in size).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Anger can be loud and confrontational. 'Sulky' describes a quiet, withdrawn, and resentful kind of bad temper, often involving pouting and silence.
No, it can describe anyone, but when used for adults, it often implies they are behaving in a childish or immature manner.
It's a lightweight, two-wheeled cart pulled by a single horse, used in harness racing. The driver sits directly behind the horse.
Yes, but less common. The primary noun is the carriage. Referring to a person as 'a sulky' is archaic or humorous (e.g., 'Don't be such a sulky!').
Morose, sullen, or bad-tempered, often due to resentment or disappointment.
Sulky is usually descriptive, slightly informal, used in both conversational and literary contexts. in register.
Sulky: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌlki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sulk in one's tent (akin to Achilles sulking, though 'sulky' is the adjective form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child who has SULlenly decided to pout and be cranKY = SULKY.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD MOOD IS WITHDRAWAL / BAD MOOD IS HEAVY / RESENTMENT IS A CLOUD (that one sits under).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best exemplifies someone being 'sulky'?