Inklingo

How to Say "sourpuss" in Spanish

English → Spanish

amargado

/ah-mar-GAH-doh//amaɾˈɡaðo/

nounB2general
Use 'amargado' when describing someone who is chronically unhappy, bitter, and frequently complains about everything, embodying a general sense of misery.
A person standing under a small personal rain cloud while everyone else is in the sun, looking miserable.

Examples

Mi vecino es un amargado, nunca saluda y siempre está enfadado.

My neighbor is a sourpuss; he never says hello and is always angry.

Ese tipo es un amargado, siempre se queja de todo.

That guy is a sourpuss; he always complains about everything.

No quiero ser un amargado cuando sea mayor.

I don't want to be a bitter person when I get older.

Using it as a Label

In Spanish, you can turn many adjectives into nouns just by adding 'un' or 'una'. 'Un amargado' literally means 'a bitter one'.

Using the wrong gender label

Mistake: “Ella es un amargado.”

Correction: Ella es una amargada. Even when used as a noun, it must match the gender of the person.

vinagre

/vee-NAH-greh//biˈnaɣɾe/

nounB2informal
Choose 'vinagre' for someone who is actively grumpy, unpleasant, and often unwilling to join in activities, like a 'wet blanket' or a party pooper.
A person with a very grumpy expression, crossed arms, and a furrowed brow.

Examples

Deja de ser un vinagre y únete a la conversación.

Stop being such a sourpuss and join the conversation.

No seas un vinagre y ven a bailar con nosotros.

Don't be such a sourpuss and come dance with us.

Mi vecino es un vinagre; siempre se está quejando de todo.

My neighbor is a grump; he's always complaining about everything.

Tiene cara de vinagre desde que llegó a la oficina.

He's had a sour face since he arrived at the office.

Using 'un/una' for people

When calling a person a 'vinagre', the word itself stays the same, but you change the article to match the person's gender: 'él es un vinagre' / 'ella es una vinagre'.

Using 'estar' vs 'ser'

Mistake: “Él es vinagre.”

Correction: Él es un vinagre. (When used as a noun for a person, you need the 'un' or 'una'). Use 'estar' without 'un' to mean 'to be in a bad mood right now'.

Amargado vs. Vinagre

Learners often confuse 'amargado' and 'vinagre'. Remember that 'amargado' implies a deeper, more persistent unhappiness and bitterness, often expressed through complaints. 'Vinagre' is more about being actively grumpy and unpleasant in a specific situation, often resisting social interaction.

Related Translations

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