Definition

Hard to read or understand; often used to describe writing that is cramped or difficult to decipher. It can also refer to someone who is irritable or in a bad mood.

Example

The teacher struggled to read the student's crabbed handwriting on the test.

Conversation

Have you seen Tom's notes from class?

Yeah, they're really crabbed and hard to read.

I struggle to understand what he's trying to say.

Same here! It makes studying so much more difficult.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Crabbed → The word originates from the Old English 'crabba', meaning crab, and is related to the Middle English 'crabbed', which means ill-tempered or peevish, likely drawing a metaphorical connection to the crab's sideways movement and aggressive nature. The term has evolved to describe a person or manner that is irritable or difficult.

Memory Tip

Think of a crab's sideways movement and its often aggressive nature to remember that 'crabbed' describes someone who is ill-tempered or irritable.

Visually Confused Words