Shrewish
adjective
Someone, usually a woman, who is nagging, scolding, or bad-tempered.
His shrewish wife never stopped complaining about his salary.
Often appears as...
- shrewish wife
- shrewish behavior
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Someone, usually a woman, who is nagging, scolding, or bad-tempered.
His shrewish wife never stopped complaining about his salary.
Often appears as...
- shrewish wife
- shrewish behavior
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Specific
Traditionally used to describe a woman’s behavior, but can be viewed as outdated and sexist.
The old play featured a character with a shrewish disposition.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a severe and critical nature, often considered rude when used to describe someone.
He regretted calling his boss shrewish in a moment of frustration.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Stereotype
The term reflects a stereotype and may not be accurate or fair in modern context.
In the movie, the stereotype of a shrewish mother-in-law was played for laughs.
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Specific
Traditionally used to describe a woman’s behavior, but can be viewed as outdated and sexist.
The old play featured a character with a shrewish disposition.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a severe and critical nature, often considered rude when used to describe someone.
He regretted calling his boss shrewish in a moment of frustration.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Stereotype
The term reflects a stereotype and may not be accurate or fair in modern context.
In the movie, the stereotype of a shrewish mother-in-law was played for laughs.
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Specific
Traditionally used to describe a woman’s behavior, but can be viewed as outdated and sexist.
The old play featured a character with a shrewish disposition.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies a severe and critical nature, often considered rude when used to describe someone.
He regretted calling his boss shrewish in a moment of frustration.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Stereotype
The term reflects a stereotype and may not be accurate or fair in modern context.
In the movie, the stereotype of a shrewish mother-in-law was played for laughs.
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