Grinch

A 'grinch' is a colloquial term often used to describe a person who is notably grouchy or miserly, particularly during festive occasions. The term originates from Dr. Seuss's character, the Grinch, who is infamous for his disdain for Christmas and his initial attempts to steal the holiday from the joyful townsfolk of Whoville. Over time, the word has come to symbolize any individual who exhibits a lack of holiday spirit or goodwill, embodying negativity, cynicism, or a general unwillingness to embrace joy or generosity.

Grinch meaning with examples

• Every year, my neighbor turns into a complete grinch during the holiday season, refusing to put up any decorations or join in on our neighborhood festivities. It's as if she believes that joy is contagious, and she wants no part of it. We often wonder what happened to her heart to make her so resistant to merriment.
• During the office holiday party, Tom showcased his true grinch nature by complaining about the decorations and claiming that the music was too loud. His constant negativity put a damper on everyone's spirits, and it was difficult to enjoy the festivities with him around. We all secretly wished he would lighten up.
• As the family gathered for Thanksgiving, Aunt Martha was a known grinch. She had a knack for turning any cheerful conversation into a debate about family politics. We tried to steer clear of hot topics, but her sharp comments always seemed to invade our joyful gathering, bringing an unwelcome cloud over our dinner table.
• Despite the joy and excitement of the upcoming New Year, Jake played the part of the grinch by voicing his pessimism about resolutions. He insisted that most people never stick with them, casting a shadow over the hopeful attitudes of his friends. We wished he would embrace a more optimistic outlook instead.