How Do You Spell SOURPUSS?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ʊ͡əpʊs] (IPA)

Sourpuss is a term used to describe someone who is constantly grumpy or negative. The spelling of this word is quite straightforward as it is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. Using IPA phonetic transcription, sourpuss would be transcribed as /ˈsaʊr.pʌs/. The initial sound is the "s" sound, followed by the "ow" sound, which is a diphthong made up of the "ah" and "oo" sounds. The final sound is the "puss" sound, which is a short "u" sound followed by the "ss" sound.

SOURPUSS Meaning and Definition

1. Sourpuss is a noun used to describe a person who is continually grumpy, ill-tempered, or consistently displays a negative attitude. Often used in an informal or colloquial manner, the term sourpuss refers to someone who habitually wears a facial expression that suggests displeasure or discontent. The term is typically used to describe an individual who constantly finds fault in situations, often criticizing or complaining about trivial matters. A sourpuss is frequently pessimistic and tends to approach life with a negative mindset, often seeing the glass as half empty rather than half full.

   The word sourpuss originates from the combination of two words: "sour," meaning acidic or having a sharp and unpleasant taste, and "puss," derived from the word "pussycat" or a playful term used to describe an affectionate cat. The term sourpuss, therefore, metaphorically refers to someone who resembles a cat that is persistently moody, grumpy, or cantankerous.

   In social contexts, sourpuss could be used affectionately to describe someone who frequently displays a grumpy demeanor but in a good-natured way. However, it is important to note that the term can also be used negatively to denote a person who consistently spreads negativity or dampens the mood of others.

Common Misspellings for SOURPUSS

• pourpuse
• surpluss
• sourcess
• surpuls
• pourpus
• scurpus
• seappuss
• sourpusse
• sourpus
• porpuss
• suprpuss
• sourpirs

Etymology of SOURPUSS

The word "sourpuss" is a compound word originating from two separate terms: "sour" and "puss".

The term "sour" derives from Old English "sūr", which meant "acid, tart, or biting". It has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over the centuries, referring to a taste or odor that is acidic or sharp. In a figurative sense, it has also come to mean an attitude or disposition that is unpleasant or disagreeable.

"Puss" is an informal term derived from "pussy", which has a long history of being used to describe cats. In the late 19th century, "puss" started being used colloquially to refer to a person's face or countenance, particularly in a mildly derogatory or teasing manner.

Similar spelling word for SOURPUSS

• sorbus.

Plural form of SOURPUSS is SOURPUSSES