surly
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɝɫi// UK //sˈɜːli// surly
adj. having a bad temper or being unfriendly. You use this to describe someone who is difficult to get along with.
adj. having a bad temper or being unfriendly; ill-tempered or sullen. Often used to describe a person's general disposition or a specific mood.
He was very surly when he heard the bad news.
The surly shopkeeper refused to help the customer even after she asked politely three times.
Despite his surly exterior, he was actually quite kind to those who earned his trust, though few ever managed to break through his initial coldness.
16th-century alteration of sirly, from sir + -ly.