a foul temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foul temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is often angry or irritable. Example: "Despite her many talents, her foul temper often alienated her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Someone with a foul temper "did not suffer fools gladly".

The Economist

He has a foul temper and a mean streak as wide as the Hudson river.

The Economist

All the pictures are of me looking glum and in a foul temper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's a furiously superstitious sports nut, who makes wild bets on games and is always in a foul temper.

The New Yorker

Dear Dr Mander I am the most gifted footballer of my generation, but I have a foul temper.

The Guardian

That these lives appear awfully grim surely owes something to the rigors of interminable posing, which would put anyone except a congenital exhibitionist in a foul temper.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This throws me into a foul humor tempered by my complacent assumption that the speaker saw a lot and perceived little.

The New York Times - Travel

Its prime case history involves a young Los Angeles woman named Angela, who shows worrying symptoms of housing an evil presence – foul temper, a tendency to behave erratically in taxis and an ability to make hapless policemen do horrible things with lightbulbs.

The Guardian - Film

His abrasive and apparently autocratic leadership style sparked a campaign of whispers describing foul temper tantrums, incivility to staff and intemperate demands.

The Guardian

Husna had been waiting for some concrete provocation and had pounced when Hassan, in his habitual foul temper, called her a bitch under his breath.

The New Yorker

Drugs aggravate his foul temper; he never holds a job for long.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When characterizing a fictional character, using "a foul temper" can quickly establish a negative trait, providing immediate insight into their personality and behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "a foul temper" lightly; it suggests a persistent and readily triggered anger, not just occasional moodiness. If someone is simply experiencing temporary mood swings, other descriptors are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foul temper" functions as a noun phrase that describes a characteristic or attribute of someone or something. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object complement, providing information about the subject or object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foul temper" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that characterizes someone as having a propensity for anger or irritability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "a bad temper" or "a quick temper", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that having a "a foul temper" indicates a chronic condition of easily triggered anger, not simply occasional moodiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bad temper

This alternative is a more general and common way to describe someone who gets angry easily.

a quick temper

This alternative highlights the speed with which someone becomes angry.

a short fuse

This alternative uses a metaphorical term to describe someone who gets angry easily.

an explosive temper

This alternative emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the anger.

a fiery temper

This alternative emphasizes the intense and passionate nature of the anger.

a volatile temper

This alternative emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the anger.

a nasty temper

This alternative uses a more negative connotation to describe the anger.

an irascible nature

This alternative uses a more formal and sophisticated vocabulary.

a grumpy disposition

This alternative describes a more general state of irritability and unhappiness.

a choleric personality

This alternative is a more formal and technical term for someone who is easily angered.

FAQs

What's another way to describe "a foul temper"?

You can use alternatives like "a bad temper", "a quick temper", or "a fiery temper" depending on the context.

How does "a foul temper" differ from simply being angry?

"A foul temper" implies a habitual and easily triggered state of anger, whereas simply being angry can be a temporary reaction to a specific situation. The former suggests a chronic condition, the latter an isolated event.

In what kind of writing is "a foul temper" most often used?

The phrase "a foul temper" is frequently used in narrative writing, such as fiction or biographical accounts, to characterize individuals known for their irritability or tendency to anger. It can also appear in journalistic reporting when describing someone's behavior.

Can "a foul temper" be considered a clinical diagnosis?

No, "a foul temper" is not a clinical diagnosis. It's a descriptive term used in everyday language. However, persistent and uncontrollable anger may be indicative of underlying mental health conditions that require professional evaluation.