Phrases & Sayings

Cross

Does anyone know where the phrase to be cross, meaning angry, originate??

Thanks,

Heather xXx.

XxHeatherxX Wed 30/04/08 18:31

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Clanad
Wed 30/04/08
23:53

Our friends at Etymology On Line has brief entry stating "...The adjective meaning "ill-tempered" is 1639, probably from 16th century. sense of "contrary, athwart," especially with reference to winds and sailing ships.." not much help, I'm afraid....

Quizmonster
Thurs 01/05/08
06:47

The 1639 earliest recorded use of 'cross' in this way, as outlined by C above, is from Admirable Events, as translated from the French by Thomas Brugis. The reference actually reads, "The stepmother regards me with cross looks."
In the absence of any evidence that it had been used by anone earlier, perhaps this is where it 'originated'.

Clanad
Thurs 01/05/08
15:27

Happy May Day to you, Q... sincere wishes for a great summer!

Quizmonster
Thurs 01/05/08
16:07

And to you, C. It certainly can't be much worse than last summer, which many people in England spent 'submerged'! As usual, our blessèd little corner was spared.

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