What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orneriest
Example
My grandpa is the orneriest man I know. [orneriest: superlative form of ornery]
Example
The orneriest dog in the shelter refused to let anyone near him. [ornery: adjective]
cranky
Example
I'm sorry for being so cranky today. I didn't sleep well last night. [cranky: adjective]
Example
The baby was cranky all day and wouldn't stop crying. [cranky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cranky is more commonly used than orneriest in everyday language. Cranky is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while orneriest is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orneriest and cranky?
Neither orneriest nor cranky are particularly formal words, but cranky is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
