sulker

USAGE SUMMARY

"sulker" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is sulking or pouting, often in a passive-aggressive manner. Example: "After the argument, he became a sulker, refusing to speak to anyone." Alternative expressions include "sullen person" and "moody individual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She had a big personality and she was quite vocal, whereas I'm more of a sulker.

Independent

But she's not a sulker, she's a battler and a survivor, and that's not all bad.

The New Yorker

Is Li Na the "pride of her motherland" or a reporter-scorning sulker who famously refused to thank her nation on the podium?

The New Yorker

He also feared being seen as a sulker like Edward Heath or a distraction like Margaret Thatcher".

The Guardian

Scholes further defended his former Manchester United team-mate stating that "Wayne will play anywhere he's asked" and that he is not "a moaner or a sulker" but despite the result, the former midfielder was encouraged at some of the performances of the younger players and feels there is "more to come" from the squad ahead of their crucial clash with Uruguay on Thursday.

The Guardian - Sport

I was a big sulker.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Unsurprisingly, Mr Brown is said to regard this less as solution than execution: if that happened, it is said, he would retire to the back benches and smoulder, with possibly incendiary consequences for the prime minister.That is very likely what Mr Brown, one of Westminster's great sulkers, would do.

The Economist

The southern Tamil DMK called for protests against Sri Lanka's abuse of its fellow ethnic Tamils.In this section Video nasties Deadly trade Hollow milestone Military muscling Better late than never Tryst with dynasty Reprints Related topics Rahul Gandhi India Politics Indira Gandhi World politicsSerial sulkers, they could yet return.

The Economist

Greeters – or rather, sulkers – wear Mickey Mouse ears and T-shirts that say DISMAL.

The Guardian - Arts

The world of sport has always had its share of sulkers.

The Guardian

These supposed mentors about life's challenges chose to stroke the sulkers rather than order them to play or forfeit the scholarships that make them such big men on campus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sulker" to describe a specific form of non-verbal protest where someone withdraws into silence after an argument or disappointment. It is particularly effective in character-driven narratives or profiles to imply a passive-aggressive personality.

Common error

Do not confuse "sulker" with "skulker". While they sound similar, a "sulker" is someone pouting due to their mood, whereas a "skulker" is someone moving stealthily or hiding for suspicious reasons.

Linguistic Context

The term "sulker" functions as a count noun used to categorize an individual based on their behavioral response to adversity. As evidenced in Ludwig, it often serves to contrast one personality type with another (e.g., a 'battler' or a 'moaner').

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

General Reference

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academic

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "sulker" is a well-established noun used to describe individuals who respond to disappointment with resentful silence. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency in premium journalistic sources, where it is often paired with contrasting traits like 'battler' or 'survivor' to provide a nuanced personality profile. While neutral enough for professional writing, it carries a negative connotation regarding the subject's social or emotional maturity. Writers should use it when they want to emphasize the passive nature of someone's discontent, distinguishing them from more vocal 'moaners' or 'complainers'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouter

Focuses specifically on the physical expression of sulking.

moper

Suggests a more listless or dejected state of being.

sullen person

A more descriptive and slightly more formal way to define the behavior.

brooder

Implies deep, often quiet, thinking over perceived wrongs.

sourpuss

An informal and more derogatory term for someone habitually sullen.

grump

Suggests irritation or irritability rather than silent resentment.

malcontent

A more formal term for someone who is chronically dissatisfied.

grouch

Focuses on complaining and ill-temperament.

killjoy

Describes the effect the person has on others' fun.

wallflower

Focuses on social withdrawal, though not necessarily due to resentment.

FAQs

How do I use "sulker" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's reaction to a setback, such as: "After losing the match, he was quite a "sulker", refusing to shake hands with the opponent."

What is a synonym for "sulker"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "pouter", "moper" or "sullen person".

Is "sulker" considered an insult?

It is generally a negative descriptor, as it implies a lack of emotional maturity or a tendency to be passive-aggressive rather than communicating issues directly.

What is the difference between a "sulker" and a "moaner"?

A "sulker" typically expresses dissatisfaction through silence and withdrawal, while a "moaner" expresses it through vocal complaints and verbal venting.