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In its very earliest uses in the 16th century, surly meant "majestic" or "lordly." These early meanings make sense when you know that this word is an alteration of Middle English "serreli," which probably comes from "sire, ser," a title formerly used as a form of address for men of rank or authority. So how did a word with such lofty beginnings come to be associated with grumbling rudeness? Arrogant and domineering behavior is sometimes associated with men of rank or position, and "surly" came to mean "haughty" or "imperious." These meanings (which are now obsolete) led to the "rude" sense that is very common today.
Examples of surly in a Sentence
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, Dexter’s own co-worker in the Miami Police Department, the surly James Doakes, is tightening the screws in his grudge against Dexter.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024
Trolling, today, having slipped the surly bonds of 4chan, is no longer subculture.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024
Harkness tricks Molly—the surly records room MI5 lady—and takes her hostage in her home, using threats to force her to help him access MI5 databases and track the location of the Dogs.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Surly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surly. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
surly
adjective
Middle English serreli "lordly, imperious," from sir "a man of rank"
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