curmudgeon crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "curmudgeon crossword", helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "curmudgeon crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CRAB: A short, often irritable person or character, sometimes used to describe a curmudgeonly individual.
5 Letters
CHURL: A rude, boorish, or surly person, which strongly aligns with the definition of a curmudgeon.
7 Letters
GRUMPER: Someone who complains or grumbles a lot, a classic characteristic of a curmudgeon.
8 Letters
SOURPUSS: An informal term for a person who is habitually sullen, glum, or disagreeable, fitting the 'curmudgeon' clue perfectly.
11 Letters
MISANTHROPE: A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society; while broader, a curmudgeon often exhibits misanthropic tendencies.
More About "curmudgeon crossword"
The clue "curmudgeon crossword" often appears in puzzles due to the rich vocabulary associated with this particular personality type. A curmudgeon is typically defined as a bad-tempered or surly person, especially an old one. This gives crossword setters a wide range of synonyms to choose from, varying in length and nuance, which can make the clue both challenging and satisfying to solve.
When you encounter "curmudgeon" in a crossword, think of words that describe grumpiness, ill-temper, social withdrawal, or general negativity. Common synonyms like GRUMPER, CRAB, CHURL, and SOURPUSS are prime candidates. Sometimes, more extended answers like MISANTHROPE might appear if the puzzle allows for longer words or if the clue hints at a broader dislike of humanity rather than just general grumpiness.
Always consider the letter count and any already-filled intersecting letters as your primary guides. The specific phrasing of the clue might also hint at which synonym is most appropriate. For example, a clue emphasizing "bad temper" might lean towards GRUMPER or SOURPUSS, while one focusing on "rudeness" might point to CHURL.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue: Break down the clue "curmudgeon" into its core meaning. What emotions or behaviors does it imply? This helps you brainstorm relevant synonyms.
- Check Letter Count: The number of boxes provided for the answer is your most important hint. Eliminate any synonyms that don't match the required length.
- Consider Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or narrow down your choices. This is often the quickest way to solve tricky clues like "curmudgeon."
- Think of Nuances: Some synonyms for curmudgeon have slightly different shades of meaning (e.g., "churl" implies rudeness, "misanthrope" implies dislike of people). If the clue is specific, match the nuance.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 'curmudgeon' a common crossword clue?
The word 'curmudgeon' is a popular crossword clue because it has a rich variety of synonyms and related terms, allowing setters to use different letter counts and nuances to challenge solvers. Words like GRUMPER, CHURL, CRAB, and SOURPUSS are all viable answers, offering flexibility.
Are answers to 'curmudgeon crossword' always negative?
Yes, typically answers to clues like 'curmudgeon' will carry a negative connotation, describing someone who is grumpy, ill-tempered, sullen, or generally unpleasant in demeanor. The core meaning of 'curmudgeon' itself is a bad-tempered or surly person.
How can I quickly find the right 'curmudgeon' answer in a crossword?
To find the correct answer quickly, first check the letter count required by the puzzle. Then, look at any intersecting letters you already have filled in. This combination of letter count and existing letters will narrow down the possibilities among synonyms like GRUMPER, CHURL, or SOURPUSS.