What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sulky
Example
He was sulky and refused to talk to anyone after losing the game. [sulky: adjective]
Example
She gave him a sulky look before storming out of the room. [sulky: noun]
sullen
Example
He sat in sullen silence, refusing to speak to anyone. [sullen: adjective]
Example
The sullen sky matched his mood perfectly. [sullen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sullen is more commonly used than sulky in everyday language. Sullen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sulky is less common and is often associated with children or pets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sulky and sullen?
Both sulky and sullen are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
