sour temperament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sour temperament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is often irritable, moody, or has a generally negative disposition. Example: "Despite her many talents, her sour temperament often alienated her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Monday's season premiere, we were introduced to contestants like Tiara, who listed her occupation as "chicken enthusiast"; Lace, whose name and sour temperament remind me of my favorite American Gladiator; and Mandi, a dentist who, upon meeting this season's Bachelor Ben Higgins, gave him an oral exam.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was Marie, a plump Scotswoman of indiscernible age who worked day shifts and was sour in temperament.

Vice

And when their fortunes began to sour, as they soon did, their differences of opinion, personality, and aesthetic temperament began to emerge.

The New Yorker

Some temperament.

The New York Times - Sports

"Excellent temperament".

The New York Times

His temperament.

The New Yorker

"Bad temperament".

The New Yorker

Very sour.

The New York Times

Sour grapes?

Forbes

Their temperament's better.

The New Yorker

Her temperament regularly….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations: "sour temperament" can imply a deep-seated negativity. If a milder term is more appropriate, consider using alternatives like "irritable mood".

Common error

Avoid using "sour temperament" to describe temporary states of unhappiness. It is best used for persistent personality traits, not fleeting emotions. Someone having a bad day doesn't necessarily possess a "sour temperament".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sour temperament" functions as a descriptive term. It typically describes a person's general disposition or character, highlighting a tendency towards negativity, irritability, or unpleasantness. Ludwig examples show its use in characterizing individuals, like the contestant Lace, or Marie, a Scotswoman, both described as having a negative disposition. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sour temperament" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe someone with a generally negative or irritable disposition. However, Ludwig's analysis reveals its relatively infrequent usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the connotations and context when using this phrase. Alternatives like "irritable disposition" or "grumpy demeanor" might be more appropriate depending on the situation. Ultimately, showing rather than telling is often the best approach when describing a character's temperament.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irritable disposition

Focuses on the tendency to become easily annoyed or angered.

bad-tempered character

General term for having a consistently unpleasant and easily angered disposition.

grumpy demeanor

Emphasizes a consistently sullen or bad-tempered outward manner.

crabby nature

Highlights a habitually irritable and complaining character.

cantankerous personality

Suggests an argumentative, uncooperative, and generally bad-tempered personality.

peevish attitude

Suggests a tendency to be easily irritated and display petty annoyance.

testy mood

Implies a state of being easily provoked to impatience or anger.

choleric disposition

Emphasizes a tendency to be easily angered and prone to outbursts.

ill-humored spirit

Highlights a lack of cheerfulness or good spirits.

vinegarish attitude

Describes a sharp, unpleasant, and often critical attitude.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a consistently negative attitude?

You can use phrases like "irritable disposition", "grumpy demeanor", or the phrase "sour temperament" depending on the intensity and context.

What is the difference between "sour temperament" and "bad mood"?

"Sour temperament" suggests a long-lasting, inherent negativity, while "bad mood" is temporary and situational. A "sour temperament" is a personality trait; a bad mood is a transient state.

Are there more formal alternatives to describe a "sour temperament"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "pessimistic nature", or "cynical disposition" in formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "sour temperament" in professional settings?

While grammatically correct, "sour temperament" might be too informal or blunt for professional contexts. Consider using softer terms like "critical nature" or describing specific behaviors rather than labeling a person with a "sour temperament".