Word: sulky

Associations

"Sulky" describes a person who is silent and shows they are unhappy, often by being moody or withdrawn. It gives the impression of someone being grumpy or pouting.

• Example 1: "After losing the game, Tom sat there with a sulky expression." (Tom showed he was unhappy without saying anything.)
• Example 2: "She refused to talk to anyone and remained sulky throughout the party." (She ignored others, showing her displeasure.)
• Example 3: "His sulky attitude made it hard for teammates to enjoy their practice." (His moodiness affected everyone around him.)

The word "moody" is a close synonym, but "sulky" specifically refers to a quiet display of unhappiness, while "moody" can refer to changing emotions more generally.

Substitution

Here are some alternatives to "sulky":

• "Gloomy" - This suggests a general state of sadness or lack of cheer, not just being silent.
• "Pouty" - This implies showing annoyance openly, often with a particular facial expression.
• "Dour" - This word suggests a stern or unfriendly mood, which may not always be about being upset.

Using these options can change the nuance of the feeling expressed.

Deconstruction

The word "sulky" has its roots in the 18th century, derived from "sulk," which means to mope or be silent in a bad mood. There’s no prefix or suffix in "sulky." The essence is about sulking, or being withdrawn, which connects deeply to feelings of discontent.

Inquiry

Think about a time when you felt sulky.

• How did you show that you were upset?
• Can you remember what made you feel this way?
• Do you think being sulky helped improve the situation or made it worse? These questions can help you relate "sulky" to your own feelings and experiences, reinforcing what you’ve learned.