Top 30 Slang For Negative Attitude – Meaning & Usage

Ever encountered someone with a negative attitude and struggled to find the right words to describe it? Well, we’ve got you covered. From sassy to salty, our team has curated a list of the top slang terms that capture different shades of negativity. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and have a good laugh while reading through this listicle!

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1. Buzzkill

A buzzkill refers to someone or something that dampens the mood or excitement of a situation. It can be a person or an event that brings negativity or ruins the fun.

For example, “Don’t invite John to the party, he’s such a buzzkill.”
If someone cancels plans at the last minute, they might be called a buzzkill.
A person who constantly complains and brings down the morale of a group can be referred to as a buzzkill.

2. Whiner

A whiner is someone who constantly complains or expresses dissatisfaction about everything. It refers to a person who is always finding something to be unhappy about.

For instance, “Stop being such a whiner and try to find something positive.”
If someone is always complaining about their job, they might be labeled as a whiner.
A person who constantly whines about their problems without taking any action to solve them is often seen as a whiner.

3. Moaner

A moaner is someone who frequently complains or grumbles, usually in a low or indistinct voice. It refers to a person who expresses dissatisfaction or unhappiness in a constant and repetitive manner.

For example, “She’s such a moaner, always finding something to moan about.”
If someone is constantly grumbling about minor inconveniences, they might be called a moaner.
A person who moans about the weather or traffic on a daily basis can be seen as a moaner.

4. Sour grapes

Sour grapes is a phrase used to describe someone who pretends not to care about something they actually desire but cannot have. It refers to a person who downplays the value or desirability of something they are unable to obtain.

For instance, “He said he didn’t want the promotion, but it’s just sour grapes because he didn’t get it.”
If someone criticizes something they couldn’t achieve, it might be labeled as sour grapes.
A person who belittles the accomplishments of others out of jealousy can be accused of sour grapes.

5. Cynic

A cynic is someone who has a negative or skeptical attitude towards things, often expecting the worst and doubting the sincerity or motives of others. It refers to a person who is distrustful and tends to see the negative side of situations.

For example, “Don’t be such a cynic, give people the benefit of the doubt.”
If someone is always questioning the intentions of others, they might be labeled as a cynic.
A person who doubts the possibility of finding true love or believes that everyone has ulterior motives can be seen as a cynic.

6. Grouch

A grouch is someone who is constantly irritable, easily annoyed, and generally in a bad mood. It is often used to describe someone who is always complaining or has a negative attitude.

For example, “Don’t mind him, he’s just a grouch.”
In a conversation about difficult people, someone might say, “I can’t stand being around grouches.”
If someone is being particularly grumpy, you might hear, “Why are you being such a grouch today?”

7. Crabby

Being crabby means being easily irritated or in a bad mood. It is often used to describe someone who is short-tempered or easily annoyed.

For instance, “She’s always crabby in the mornings.”
In a discussion about difficult coworkers, someone might say, “I try to avoid talking to him when he’s crabby.”
If someone is being particularly irritable, you might hear, “What’s got you so crabby today?”

8. Miserable

Miserable describes a state of extreme unhappiness or discontent. It is often used to describe someone who is feeling down, depressed, or in a state of despair.

For example, “I’ve been feeling miserable ever since I lost my job.”
In a conversation about a bad day, someone might say, “Today has been absolutely miserable.”
If someone is visibly sad or upset, you might ask, “Why do you look so miserable?”

9. Sulky

Being sulky means being moody, silent, or uncommunicative due to feeling upset or offended. It is often used to describe someone who is giving the silent treatment or pouting.

For instance, “He’s sulky because I didn’t invite him to the party.”
In a discussion about passive-aggressive behavior, someone might say, “She always gets sulky when she doesn’t get her way.”
If someone is being particularly silent and withdrawn, you might ask, “Why are you being so sulky?”

10. Snarky

Snarky describes someone who is being sarcastic, sarcastically critical, or making mocking remarks. It is often used to describe someone who has a sharp wit and enjoys making biting or sassy comments.

For example, “She’s always so snarky with her remarks.”
In a conversation about rude comments, someone might say, “I can’t stand it when people get snarky.”
If someone is being particularly sarcastic, you might hear, “Why are you being so snarky?”

11. Jerk

This term is used to describe someone who behaves in a rude or disrespectful manner.

For example, “He’s such a jerk, always making snide comments.”
A person might say, “Don’t waste your time with that jerk, he’s not worth it.”
In a group setting, someone might comment, “That guy is a total jerk, he never contributes anything positive.”

12. Toxic

This slang term refers to someone or something that has a detrimental effect on others or the overall atmosphere.

For instance, “The toxic work environment was affecting everyone’s mental health.”
A person might say, “I had to cut off that toxic friend, they were always bringing me down.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might warn, “Watch out for toxic partners, they can be emotionally abusive.”

13. Grinch

This term is often used during the Christmas season to describe someone who dampens the festive mood or refuses to participate in holiday activities.

For example, “He’s such a Grinch, he never wants to decorate or exchange gifts.”
A person might say, “Don’t be a Grinch, it’s supposed to be a joyful time of year.”
In a conversation about holiday traditions, someone might comment, “I can’t stand when people act like a Grinch and ruin the fun for everyone else.”

14. Miserablist

This term refers to a person who has a consistently negative outlook on life and tends to focus on the negative aspects of situations.

For instance, “She’s a real miserablist, always complaining and never finding joy in anything.”
A person might say, “I try to avoid spending too much time with miserablists, they bring me down.”
In a discussion about positivity, someone might comment, “Being a miserablist is a choice, we can choose to focus on the positive instead.”

15. Doomsayer

This term is used to describe someone who consistently predicts or warns of impending doom or negative events.

For example, “He’s always been a doomsayer, constantly predicting the end of the world.”
A person might say, “Don’t listen to the doomsayers, they thrive on fear and negativity.”
In a conversation about climate change, someone might comment, “We need to take action instead of just listening to doomsayers, they don’t offer any solutions.”

16. Crab

A person who constantly complains or finds fault in everything. The term “crab” is often used to describe someone with a negative attitude.

For example, “Don’t be such a crab. Try to find something positive about the situation.”
In a discussion about work, someone might say, “My coworker is always a crab, never satisfied with anything.”
A person might describe their friend as a crab by saying, “She’s always complaining about something, such a crab.”

17. Curmudgeon

An ill-tempered, cranky, or cantankerous individual. The term “curmudgeon” is often used to describe someone with a negative attitude, especially towards modern things or change.

For instance, “He’s such a curmudgeon. He never likes anything new.”
In a conversation about a grumpy neighbor, someone might say, “Our neighbor is a curmudgeon. He always yells at kids playing in the street.”
A person might describe their grandparent as a curmudgeon by saying, “My grandpa is a curmudgeon. He hates using smartphones and thinks they’re useless.”

18. Negative Ned

A person who always sees the negative side of things or has a pessimistic outlook on life. The term “Negative Ned” is often used to describe someone with a consistently negative attitude.

For example, “Don’t be such a Negative Ned. Try to see the bright side of things.”
In a discussion about a friend, someone might say, “He’s always complaining and never believes anything will turn out well. Such a Negative Ned.”
A person might describe their coworker as a Negative Ned by saying, “She’s constantly pointing out what could go wrong. It’s exhausting to be around her negativity.”

19. Grump

A person who is easily irritated or in a bad mood most of the time. The term “grump” is often used to describe someone with a negative attitude and a tendency to be grouchy.

For instance, “He’s such a grump. He’s always scowling and complaining.”
In a conversation about a family member, someone might say, “My uncle is a grump. He never wants to participate in family activities.”
A person might describe their neighbor as a grump by saying, “She’s always yelling at kids who accidentally step on her lawn. Such a grump.”

20. Gloomy

Having a dark, pessimistic, or negative outlook on life. The term “gloomy” is often used to describe someone with a negative attitude or a general sense of sadness.

For example, “She’s been feeling gloomy lately. Nothing seems to bring her joy.”
In a discussion about a friend, someone might say, “He always has a gloomy outlook on life. It’s hard to be around him.”
A person might describe their own mood as gloomy by saying, “I’m feeling so gloomy today. Everything feels hopeless.”

21. Defeatist

A defeatist is someone who has a negative and pessimistic attitude, always expecting the worst outcome in any situation.

For instance, if someone says, “There’s no point in trying, we’re going to lose anyway,” they are being defeatist.
In a discussion about a challenging project, someone might say, “Let’s not be defeatist and instead focus on finding solutions.”
A defeatist person might complain, “Nothing ever goes right for me, it’s always a disaster.”

22. Bummer

A bummer is something that causes disappointment or a negative emotional reaction.

For example, if someone cancels plans at the last minute, it’s a bummer.
A person might say, “It’s such a bummer that the concert got canceled.”
When something unfortunate happens, someone might exclaim, “What a bummer!”

23. Downbeat

Being downbeat means having a negative or gloomy attitude, often lacking enthusiasm or optimism.

For instance, if someone always focuses on the negatives and rarely sees the positives, they are downbeat.
In a discussion about a challenging situation, someone might say, “Let’s stay positive and not get too downbeat.”
A downbeat person might say, “I don’t see the point in trying, nothing ever works out.”

24. Cranky

Cranky refers to someone who is easily irritated or in a bad mood, often expressing their negative attitude through grumpiness or complaining.

For example, if someone is in a bad mood in the morning and snaps at everyone, they are cranky.
A person might say, “Don’t talk to me, I’m feeling cranky today.”
When someone complains about trivial things, they might be described as cranky.

25. Whinge

To whinge is to complain or whine in a persistent and annoying manner.

For instance, if someone constantly complains about everything, they are whinging.
In a discussion about someone’s negative attitude, someone might say, “They’re always whinging about something.”
A person might say, “Stop whinging and try to find a solution instead.”

26. Sullen

This term describes a person who is gloomy, sulky, or in a bad mood. It refers to someone who displays a negative attitude or demeanor.

For example, “She gave her sullen coworker a wide berth, not wanting to provoke him.”
In a discussion about someone’s behavior, one might say, “He’s been acting sullen ever since he got passed over for a promotion.”
A parent might describe their teenager as “perpetually sullen” due to their constant moodiness.

27. Downer

This slang term refers to a person who consistently brings down the mood or dampens the atmosphere with their negative attitude or pessimistic outlook.

For instance, “Every time we hang out with her, she’s such a downer.”
In a conversation about someone’s behavior, one might say, “He’s been a real Debbie Downer lately, always finding something to complain about.”
A friend might warn another, “Be careful inviting him to the party, he’s a real downer.”

28. Disgruntled

This word is used to describe someone who is dissatisfied, unhappy, or disgruntled about a particular situation or circumstance.

For example, “The disgruntled employee voiced his complaints during the staff meeting.”
In a discussion about customer service, one might say, “The company received numerous complaints from disgruntled customers.”
A person might describe their own feelings by saying, “I’m feeling disgruntled about the lack of progress in my career.”

29. Mopey

This slang term describes someone who appears sad, dejected, or in a low mood. It refers to a person who displays a negative attitude or a lack of enthusiasm.

For instance, “She’s been mopey ever since her breakup.”
In a conversation about someone’s behavior, one might say, “He’s been acting mopey lately, always looking down and sighing.”
A friend might ask, “What’s got you feeling so mopey today?”

30. Woe is me

This phrase is used to express a self-indulgent or self-pitying attitude. It is often used sarcastically to mock someone who constantly complains or seeks sympathy.

For example, “She always plays the victim and says, ‘Woe is me’.”
In a discussion about someone’s behavior, one might say, “He’s always looking for sympathy, constantly saying, ‘Woe is me’.”
A person might use this phrase to mockingly describe their own exaggerated complaints, saying, “I burned my toast this morning, woe is me!”