the.com/cantankerous
Difficult on principle, disagreeable by reflex, and proud of every grudge.
means Bad-tempered, argumentative, and stubbornly hard to deal with — the human equivalent of a squeaky hinge.
from Likely a 1700s mash-up of Middle English contack (contention) with rancorous, bred for maximum grumble.
Stage favoriteBeloved word for crotchety old men in plays.
Sound designThe clanking syllables practically argue with you.
Close cousinsOrnery, crusty, splenetic — a whole grumpy family.