What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crankier
Example
He's been crankier than usual lately. [crankier: comparative form of cranky]
Example
She woke up on the wrong side of the bed and has been cranky all day. [cranky: adjective]
grumpy
Example
He's always grumpy in the morning until he has his coffee. [grumpy: adjective]
Example
Don't mind her, she's just feeling grumpy today. [grumpy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumpy is more commonly used than cranky in everyday language, especially in British English. Grumpy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cranky is less common and may be seen as more informal or playful.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crankier and grumpy?
While both cranky and grumpy are informal words, grumpy is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
