Mardy

Mardy (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Mardy bum, Mardy arse, Being mardy, Mardiness)

Definition:

Mardy means sulky, moody, grumpy or easily upset, usually in a childish way. A mardy person sulks over small things, goes quiet to make a point and needs a bit of coaxing to cheer up.

Where Mardy Comes From:

Mardy is a dialect word from the English Midlands and the North, where it has been used for generations. It is thought to come from “marred”, meaning spoilt or pampered, as in a child who has been spoilt and sulks when they do not get their way. It became known nationwide when the Arctic Monkeys sang “Mardy Bum” in 2005, which introduced the word to a whole generation of listeners across the UK and beyond.

How People Actually Use Mardy:

Mardy is almost always affectionate. A partner who is huffing about the washing up is being mardy, and so is a toddler refusing to wear a coat. The most common version is “mardy bum”, a teasing nickname for a moody person. It is used for adults and children alike, and the tone is usually lighthearted rather than angry.

Is Mardy an Insult?

Only a very mild one. Calling someone mardy is a cheeky way of saying “stop sulking”, and most people take it with a smile. Said in the middle of a real argument, it can sound dismissive, so pick your moment.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Do not be so mardy, it was only a joke.”

  Meaning: Stop sulking, I did not mean to upset you.

• “He has been mardy all day because his team lost.”

  Meaning: He has been in a bad mood and sulking.

• “Come here, you mardy bum, I will make you a brew.”

  Meaning: Cheer up, you grumpy thing, a cup of tea will help.

Similar Slang:

Salty, Shook, Gutted, Grumpy, Stroppy, Narky

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