yrre
The Old English word for 'angry' is yrre.
The word yrre is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is displaying anger.
Meaning: displaying anger (adj)
Did you know?
- Old English had a distinct word for a specific kind of anger called gram, which described a mixture of anger and grief or sorrow.
- The word yrre is a distant ancestor of the modern English word 'ire', though 'ire' was reintroduced to English via Old French rather than evolving directly from yrre.
- Old English writers often used the phrase 'to be heavy' (hefig) to describe a state of sullen or brooding anger.
Example conversation
Two nobles are discussing a dispute in the hall.
- OsricIs Osric nū yrre?Is Osric angry now?
- ÆthelflædĠēa, hē is swīðe yrre.Yes, he is very angry.
- OsricHwȳ is hē yrre?Why is he angry?
- ÆthelflædHē ne lufaþ þā word.He does not love the words.
