SHREWISHNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Shrewishness is a noun that refers to the quality or condition of being shrewish. A shrewish person is generally considered to be quarrelsome, ill-tempered, or nagging in nature. The term is predominantly used to describe women who exhibit such characteristics. Shrewishness often entails being easily provoked, argumentative, and prone to angry or critical outbursts.
Shrewishness can manifest in various ways, such as regularly expressing dissatisfaction or finding fault in others' actions, behaving patronizingly or condescendingly, or constantly complaining and nagging about trivial matters. Shrewish individuals may engage in verbal attacks, often employing sharp or biting remarks, and may even resort to emotional manipulation to get what they want.
The term "shrewishness" is derived from the idea of a shrew, a small, sharp-tongued mammal known for its aggressive and predatory nature. While it is important to note that not all women who exhibit assertiveness or vocalize their opinions are considered shrewish, the term is usually reserved for those who consistently display an unpleasant and overbearing demeanor.
In summary, shrewishness refers to the behavior or characteristic of being quarrelsome, ill-tempered, and nagging, often associated with women. It entails a tendency to express dissatisfaction, engage in arguments, and display a sharp or critical tongue.
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The state of being shrewish; forwardness; petulance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SHREWISHNESS
- ahrewishness
- zhrewishness
- xhrewishness
- dhrewishness
- ehrewishness
- whrewishness
- sgrewishness
- sbrewishness
- snrewishness
- sjrewishness
- surewishness
- syrewishness
- sheewishness
- shdewishness
- shfewishness
- shtewishness
- sh4ewishness
- shrwwishness
- shrswishness
Etymology of SHREWISHNESS
The word "shrewishness" derives from the noun "shrew", which originated from Middle English "shrewe". In Old English, "scruwa" referred to a wicked, evil, or malicious person. Over time, "shrew" came to be associated specifically with an ill-tempered, unruly, or nagging woman. The suffix "-ish" was added to "shrew" to form the adjective "shrewish", meaning having the characteristic of a shrew. Subsequently, the noun "shrewishness" was created to represent the state or quality of being shrewish.
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