Average Jane’s Vocabulary Word

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I’d like to make a case for the increased use of the adjective "cross" in place of "cranky," "crabby," "grouchy," etc. According to Dictionary.com, the usage I have in mind is defined as, "Showing ill humor; annoyed."

There’s something about the word "cross" in that context that perfectly sums up the feeling of being out of patience, stressed out and disinclined toward the full range of behavioral niceties.

Just for the record, I’m not feeling cross today at all – at least not right now. How about you?

Comments

5 responses to “Average Jane’s Vocabulary Word”

February 18, 2005

Jen

My Mom has always used cross and is now using it with my son! I caught myself saying it to him the other day “That makes Mommy cross when you do that” – I think it is a great word!

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February 18, 2005

Huts

It is too early to feel anything other than groggy. I’m definitely not a morning person. Go Go Coffee!

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February 19, 2005

purplejoolz

In the UK we always use that word. Never crabby or cranky. Just CROSS…
(I’m not, by the way).

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February 20, 2005

dp

Of all the grumpy words, “CROSS” is the easiest to spell. This is important when you’re out of sorts.

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February 22, 2005

Rozanne

I’m a bit behind on my blog reading, so I’m just reading this “cross” advocacy post from a few days ago now. I totally agree with you! In fact, I almost used “cross” in a post I wrote last night, not having yet read your post. I edited out the “cross” paragraph, though. Sorry.

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