cross mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross mood" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely understood.
It could potentially be used to describe a state of being both angry and sad, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "After hearing the news, she was in a cross mood, feeling both frustrated and disappointed."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the cross mood also reflects mounting fears of a possible "Grexit", or Greek departure from the euro.

The Economist

The cross mood expressed by Thayer is indicative of the restlessness felt by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender grass roots in the early stages of Obama's presidency.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Investors and analysts are not in the mood to cross their fingers and hope for the best.

The New York Times

Today it is Davis who has captured the public mood, crossing political boundaries, enthusing the formerly unenthusiastic.

The Guardian - Opinion

When characters cross the Seine, for example, moods change; when they walk beneath the overhead Métro bridges between Ségur and Dupleix stations, they enter a neutral zone.

The Guardian - Books

He follows the line of Gavin Ewart back to Ogden Nash, but crosses this mood with personal lyrics that remind one of Hardy and Housman.

The Guardian - Books

Depends what mood you're in if you wanna cross it or not.

Vice

Once I cross the mountains onto the plateau where Shangri-La lies, the mood changes.

The Economist

There are wild raspberries to add to the packed lunch and, crossing a beck, my mood improves immediately.

Independent

Now in a great mood again, Lenny crossed the street where a string of cheese hung in the open window of a grocery shop.

The Guardian - Books

It is there in the labels he applies to those who have upset or crossed him: Andy Flower as the Mood Hoover, Matt Prior as The Big Cheese with his little cheeses in tow, Alastair Cook as Ned Flanders, the man from The Simpsons who wants to please everybody, Peter Moores as the Woodpecker pecking away.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross mood", ensure the context makes it clear you're referring to a blend of anger and sadness, or another specific combination of negative feelings. Clarity is key, given that the phrase is not widely recognized.

Common error

Avoid using "cross mood" if you aim to express simple anger or frustration. This phrase should signify a more nuanced blend of emotions, such as anger mixed with disappointment or sadness. Use more conventional phrases like "angry" or "frustrated" for simpler emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross mood" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (the mood). It aims to convey a particular state of mind characterized by a blend of negative emotions, typically anger and sadness. As Ludwig AI points out, it's not a standard expression but can be understood contextually.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cross mood" is an uncommon way to describe a blend of negative emotions, typically a mix of anger and sadness. Ludwig AI indicates it's not a standard expression, and its grammatical status is acceptable but not ideal. The phrase is most likely to appear in news and media contexts, albeit infrequently. When using "cross mood", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity, as it may not be universally understood. Consider using alternatives like "mixed emotions" or specifying the individual emotions to avoid ambiguity. Because of the low frequency, its use could result strange to native speakers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed emotions

Captures the complexity of combined feelings without specifying which ones.

conflicted feelings

Similar to mixed emotions, emphasizing internal conflict rather than specific emotions.

irritable mood

Focuses more on the aspect of irritability, omitting the potential sadness.

foul mood

Indicates a negative mood, but doesn't specify the combination of emotions.

bad temper

Emphasizes anger and annoyance, losing the nuance of underlying sadness or complexity.

unhappy state

A general expression for unhappiness, lacking the specific emotional blend.

restless mood

Highlights restlessness, but omits aspects of anger or sadness.

agitated state

Highlights restlessness and anxiety, potentially missing the sadness aspect.

uneasy feeling

Focuses on discomfort and anxiety, which doesn't fully capture the original meaning.

bittersweet mood

Implies a mix of happiness and sadness, rather than anger and sadness.

FAQs

What does "cross mood" mean?

"Cross mood" typically describes a state of feeling both angry and sad, or a combination of conflicting negative emotions. However, it is not a standard or widely recognized expression.

How can I use "cross mood" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the argument, she was in a "cross mood", feeling both frustrated and disappointed." However, consider using clearer alternatives like "mixed emotions".

What are some alternatives to "cross mood"?

Consider using "mixed emotions", "conflicted feelings", or specify the emotions, such as "angry and disappointed" depending on the context.

Is "cross mood" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "cross mood" is not a standard grammatical construction. It's more common to describe the specific emotions being experienced, or use a phrase like "mixed emotions".