viejo gruñón
/bjexo ɡɾuɲon/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'grumpy old man' is translated into Spanish as viejo gruñón.
This phrase describes an elderly man who is easily annoyed and frequently complains. You can also use the single word gruñón to refer to a person who is habitually grumpy or a grumbler.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of viejo, meaning old and gruñón, meaning grumpy or a grumbler.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a woman, you must change both the noun and the adjective to their feminine forms: vieja gruñona. When referring to a group of men, use the plural form viejos gruñones.
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, viejo can be a highly offensive insult or a term of deep endearment. When used as mi viejo, it is a common and loving way to refer to one's father.
- While viejo gruñón describes a person, the verb gruñir is also used to describe the sounds made by pigs and dogs. Calling someone a gruñón literally likens their complaints to the grunts of an animal.
- The suffix -ón in gruñón is an augmentative that often turns a quality into a defining personality trait. It transforms the action of grunting into a permanent character type.
Examples in context
- El anciano vecino es un hombre mayor gruñón, siempre se queja de todoThe elderly neighbor is a grumpy old man, he always complains about everything
- Mi abuelo es un viejo gruñón, siempre se enoja por todoMy grandpa is a grumpy old man, he gets mad about everything
- Ese carcamal siempre se queja de todoThat old codger is always complaining about everything
- El vecino es un viejo gruñón.The neighbor is a grumpy old man.
- No seas un viejo gruñón y sonríe.Don't be a grumpy old man and smile.
- Aquel viejo gruñón siempre se queja del ruido.That grumpy old man always complains about the noise.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their neighbor in the park.
- María¿Viste al vecino hoy?Did you see the neighbor today?
- AlejandroSí, es un viejo gruñón.Yes, he is a grumpy old man.
- MaríaSiempre está de mal humor.He is always in a bad mood.
- AlejandroEs un hombre muy difícil.He is a very difficult man.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
