Cranky means irritable, grumpy, and easily annoyed. When you're cranky, small things that normally wouldn't bother you suddenly feel frustrating. Your little brother's humming might make you snap at him. The tag in your shirt feels unbearable. Everything seems just a bit too loud, too bright, or too much.

People often get cranky when they're tired, hungry, uncomfortable, or sick. A baby who missed their nap gets cranky and cries at everything. Your dad might get cranky when he's stuck in traffic after a long day at work. You might feel cranky yourself when you've been concentrating hard on homework for too long.

The word suggests a temporary mood rather than someone's permanent personality. A normally cheerful person can have a cranky afternoon. When someone's cranky, they're not truly angry, just worn down and irritable. Often the best solution is simple: rest, food, or a break from whatever's overwhelming them. Once a cranky person gets what they need, their usual good nature returns.