WordGarden.ioshrewish
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃrˈuːɪʃ/
US
Meanings
Adjective
bad-tempered and nagging in a harsh, scolding way, often of a woman; a derogatory and often sexist characterization
Beyond the definition
Imagine a person in a story who is always finding fault, quick to scold, and unpleasant to be around. That kind of harsh, nagging, bad-tempered manner is what this word points to. It often suggests a sharp voice and a habit of complaining or criticizing.
In older use, the word was often aimed at women and carries that history with it, so it can sound dated or unfair today. You may still see it in books or hear it used about someone who keeps scolding, complaining, or speaking in a biting way.
The word "shrewish" describes someone whose manner is bad-tempered, scolding, nagging, and unpleasant. It usually suggests a sharp tongue, a habit of criticizing others, and an irritable, quarrelsome way of speaking. The word can describe a person's general manner or a particular tone of voice.
Historically, it was used especially for women, often in a judgmental way, and that history still affects how the word feels today. Because of that, it can sound old-fashioned, sexist, or unfair in modern use. In many cases, a more neutral word such as "irritable," "harsh," "critical," or "bad-tempered" may fit better.
You are most likely to meet this word in literature, character descriptions, or careful commentary on someone's tone or behavior. For example, a novel might describe a landlord's shrewish voice as filling the hallway with complaints, or someone might say that a reply sounded shrewish because it was full of sharp, petty scolding. The meaning is clear, but the word carries social baggage, so it is usually best used with awareness and care.
Examples
- 1
Tone
Her shrewish tone made even a simple question sound like a complaint.
- 2
Literary portrayal
In the novel, the shopkeeper's wife is portrayed as a shrewish, hard-to-please woman.
- 3
Sexist language
The columnist was criticized for calling the candidate "shrewish" instead of simply saying she sounded angry.
- Caution
often used in a strongly negative way, and many people consider it unfair or sexist
See also
Similar
- ill-tempered
- quarrelsome
- scolding
Shades of meaning
- waspish
- peevish
- vituperative
Contrast
- amiable
- good-natured
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- shrewish tone
- shrewish temper
- shrewish remarks
Word family
- shrewishly
- shrewishness
Explore
- sexist insult
- verbal aggression
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- shrewishadjective