Grumps, grouches, cranks and killjoys

[msbeadsley]

> Sandy, reflecting how unfair it is that "curmudgeon" refers only to 
> men and us females of the species get stuck with the term "b*tch."

Websters on curmudgeon: a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man.

I was not suggesting recruitment for a resident b*tch. I was 
bemoaning the fact that in common usage the word refers exclusively 
to men. It's such a lovely word that I've always wished it could be 
mine, and I am most respectful of the creative way that Joywitch has 
made it hers. There are other terms: grump, grouch, crank, killjoy; 
but none of them have that lovely sweet, crumbly coffee-cake with 
bitter almond (cyanide) flavor that curmudgeon does. A curmudgeon is 
someone you might see in the funny papers. There is no equivalent 
female term. That's what I meant by getting stuck with "b*tch."

Sandy, altogether sorry that she brought it up and thinking perhaps 
she will see if "Baba Yaga" is taken, perhaps with vodka