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?
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!
Posted by: Jen | February 18, 2005 at 08:26 AM
It is too early to feel anything other than groggy. I'm definitely not a morning person. Go Go Coffee!
Posted by: Huts | February 18, 2005 at 08:32 AM
In the UK we always use that word. Never crabby or cranky. Just CROSS...
(I'm not, by the way).
Posted by: purplejoolz | February 19, 2005 at 02:29 AM
Of all the grumpy words, "CROSS" is the easiest to spell. This is important when you're out of sorts.
Posted by: dp | February 20, 2005 at 04:51 AM
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.
Posted by: Rozanne | February 22, 2005 at 10:50 AM