What is the difference between orneriness and cussedness?

Definitions

orneriness

- Describing a person or animal's stubborn and difficult behavior.

- Referring to a person or animal's tendency to be irritable or ill-tempered.

- Talking about a person or animal's mischievous or playful behavior that can be frustrating or annoying.

cussedness

- Describing a person or animal's stubborn and difficult behavior.

- Referring to a person or animal's tendency to be ill-tempered or contrary.

- Talking about a person or animal's mischievous or playful behavior that can be frustrating or annoying.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a person or animal's stubborn and difficult behavior.
• 2. Both words can refer to a person or animal's ill-tempered or contrary nature.
• 3. Both words can also describe a person or animal's playful or mischievous behavior that can be frustrating or annoying.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Orneriness is more commonly used in the southern United States, while cussedness is more common in the western United States.
• 2. Connotation: Orneriness has a more negative connotation, implying a difficult and unpleasant nature. Cussedness can have a more playful or humorous connotation.
• 3. Formality: Orneriness is more informal and colloquial, while cussedness can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

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Remember this!

Orneriness and cussedness are synonyms that describe a person or animal's stubborn, difficult, or ill-tempered behavior. While they have similar meanings, orneriness has a more negative connotation and is more informal, while cussedness can have a more playful or humorous tone and is more versatile in terms of formality and usage.