Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Cantankerous"

Released on July 5, 2025

Introduction

In the July 5th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day podcast, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, listeners are introduced to the word "cantankerous." The episode begins promptly at [00:00] with a brief advertisement promoting Hyundai’s exclusive offers for Premier Altitude Elite Club members. This sets the stage for the day’s linguistic exploration.

Definition and Pronunciation

At [00:30], Peter Sokolowski spells out the word and provides a clear definition:

"Cantankerous" (C-A-N-T-A-N-K-E-R-O-U-S) is an adjective. A cantankerous person is often angry and annoyed, while a cantankerous animal or thing is difficult or irritating to deal with.

Usage in Context

Peter enhances understanding by sharing a sentence from the New York Times at [01:00]:

"The film Hard Truths, which opens in New York on Friday and nationwide in January, centers on Marianne Jean Baptiste's pansy, the cantankerous middle-aged woman who spits venom at unsuspecting shop assistants, bald babies, her 20-something son Moses, and her dentist, among others."

This example illustrates the word's application in describing a character's challenging demeanor.

Etymology and Word Origins

Delving deeper at [02:15], Peter explores the origins of "cantankerous," suggesting it may stem from the obsolete word "contact," which meant contention. He further connects it to two existing words:

• "Rancorous": Pertains to anger and bitter, deep-seated ill will. As Peter explains, "rancorous brings the anger and bitter, deep-seated ill will as rancor can be understood to mean." ([02:45])

• "Cankerous": Relates to a foul mood and, more literally, to someone suffering from painful sores. Peter notes, "a cankerous person suffers from painful sores, that is cankers." ([03:15])

These connections highlight the layered meanings and nuanced origins of "cantankerous."

Practical Implications and Conclusion

Concluding the episode around [04:00], Peter summarizes the practical implications of labeling someone or something as "cantankerous":

"A person described as cantankerous may find it more difficult than most to turn that frown upside down. While a cantankerous mule or jalopy is difficult to deal with, it may not turn in your desired direction."

This emphasizes the persistent and often unyielding nature associated with the term.

Closing Remarks

Peter wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to expand their vocabulary and explore more words at merriamwebster.com, offering resources like definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Sokolowski [00:30]: "Cantankerous is an adjective; a cantankerous person is often angry and annoyed, and a cantankerous animal or thing is difficult or irritating to deal with."

• Peter Sokolowski [02:45]: "Rancorous brings the anger and bitter, deep-seated ill will as rancor can be understood to mean."

• Peter Sokolowski [03:15]: "A cankerous person suffers from painful sores, that is cankers."

This detailed exploration of "cantankerous" not only defines the word but also provides contextual usage and dives into its etymological roots, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its meaning and application.