Petulant
/ˈpɛtʃ.ə.lənt/noun
Easily irritated or annoyed, often in a childish way.
Did you know?The word 'petulant' stems from Latin, where it originally described someone who was prone to sudden, unpredictable outbursts—much like a storm brewing out of nowhere!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
petulans
“Pouting or sulking; characterized by sudden irritation.”
Early Middle Ages
Old French
petulant
“Irritable or peevish, often used to describe children's behavior.”
14th Century
Middle English
petulant
“Describing a person who is sulky or prone to tantrums.”
Modern English
English
petulant
“Referring to a person who displays childish annoyance or impatience.”
Explore more surprising origins