bad tempered crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "bad tempered" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving journey.
Solutions for "bad tempered crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ACID: Sharp or bitter in manner, often used to describe a bad-tempered person's disposition or words.
5 Letters
CROSS: Annoyed or angry; ill-tempered. A very common crossword answer for this type of clue.
6 Letters
CRABBY: Easily annoyed; bad-tempered. This word evokes the image of a crab's pinching nature, suggesting irritability.
7 Letters
PEEVISH: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things. Suggests a childish or petulant form of bad temper.
8 Letters
CHOLERIC: Bad-tempered or irritable. Originates from the ancient medical theory of humors, where excess yellow bile (choler) caused a fiery disposition.
9 Letters
IRRITABLE: Easily annoyed or angered. A direct and widely understood synonym for bad-tempered, often indicating a state of being easily vexed.
12 Letters
CANTANKEROUS: Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. Often used to describe an older person with a difficult personality, particularly when they are difficult to deal with.
More About "bad tempered crossword clue"
"Bad tempered" is a classic crossword clue that often requires solvers to think broadly about synonyms for irritability, anger, and a generally unpleasant disposition. The variety of possible answers, from short and punchy words like ACID or CROSS to longer, more descriptive terms like CANTANKEROUS, highlights the richness of the English language in describing human emotions.
When encountering such clues, it's beneficial to consider both the intensity and the specific nature of the temper being described. Is it a fleeting annoyance, a deep-seated grumpiness, or an aggressive tendency? The best answer will always fit the number of letters and the surrounding context of the crossword grid.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide you with not just the answer, but also the understanding behind it, helping you to not only complete your current puzzle but also improve your general crossword-solving abilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: "Bad tempered" can range from mildly annoyed to extremely irate. Consider which specific shade of meaning the clue might be pointing to. Is it just "testy" or truly "furious"?
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. This will immediately narrow down your options significantly from the list above.
- Look at Crossing Letters: The most crucial step! Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs/Idioms: Sometimes "bad tempered" might lead to a two-word answer (e.g., "short-fused"), though less common for direct synonyms. Always be open to different linguistic structures.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for "bad tempered crossword clue"?
Crossword clues can have several valid solutions depending on the puzzle's specific context, theme, or letter count required. "Bad tempered" is a common concept with many synonyms, leading to multiple correct answers across different puzzles.
How can I improve my crossword-solving skills for descriptive clues like this?
For descriptive clues like 'bad tempered,' focus on synonyms and antonyms, consider the exact nuance of the clue (e.g., is it 'mildly' bad-tempered or 'extremely'?), and always check the letter count and any crossing letters you already have. Building a strong vocabulary for emotional states is key.
What's the difference between "irritable" and "choleric"?
While both describe bad temper, 'irritable' suggests being easily annoyed by small things or situations. 'Choleric' implies a more inherent and often intense, fiery, or aggressive bad temper, stemming from a disposition rather than immediate provocation. It's less about being easily bothered and more about having a naturally quick temper.