Are you looking for a way to describe a dry, unenthusiastic personality? You could say the person is a 'dour, sullen' individual you don't want to be around.
Meaning
The words ‘dour and sullen’ are used in a description of a person's personality traits and behavior. The dictionary definition of dour is something gloomy, stern, or severe.
Describing something as 'sullen' means that it shows irritation and acts with persistent and silent ill-humor.
The words have a similar meaning, and using them together means that you view the person as ill-humored and dry and don't enjoy speaking with them or listening to what they say. They have a pessimistic attitude and rarely try to connect with the people they're communicating with in any given situation.
Dour can mean harsh and threatening, and sullen as an atmosphere lacking in happiness and cheer. Sullen acts as a synonym for dour, meaning grim, dull, and morose. Dour originates from the Gaelic word, 'dúr.'
Example Usage
“I find Mitch to be a dour, sullen person. He’s not someone you want to be around, and he has a face that only a mother could love.”
“If you have a dour, sullen personality, you’re not someone people want to be around. It might be wise to examine your life and where you’re going with it.”
“If people say you have a dour, sullen personality, you better do some work on yourself. You’ll never get ahead in life if people think you’re a miserable cynic.”
“I don’t want to end up being a dour, sullen old man like Mitch McConnell. No matter how much money or power you have, you can’t fix that and what people think of you behind closed doors.”
Origin
The expression 'dour, sullen' originates from a statement by former president of the United States, Donald Trump. Trump was referring to a character reference of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after the second unsuccessful attempt to impeach Trump.
Trump's acquittal on February 16, 2021, saw the former president read from a "Save America" letterhead, stating the following.
"Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack. If Republican senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again."
Trump finished his scathing attack on OConnell by alleging the senator "begged" him for his endorsement. The former president said he regretted supporting OConnell's campaign.
Phrases Similar to Dour Sullen
- Sourpuss.
- Nasty person.
Phrases Opposite to Dour Sullen
- Enthusiastic, engaging.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Dour, sullen.
Ways People May Say Dour Sullen Incorrectly
"Dour, sullen' and descriptive words used in a comment by Donald Trump on Mitch McConnell's behavior and personality. Using the phrase to describe someone with an enthusiastic personality is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Dour Sullen
You can use the phrase 'dour, sullen' when you're emulating the speech of Donald Trump regarding his opinion of Mitch McConnell. You can use it when talking about someone with a 'cardboard' personality that's dry and unenthusiastic. Trump used 'our' and 'sullen' to describe McConnell's demeanor during his dealings with him in the White House.
You can use 'dour, sullen' to describe people's demeanor in social and professional situations. You could use it with your partner to describe someone you met at a dinner party. Or you could use it at work to describe the manager's attitude of the staff and his position. It’s common to hear people who support Donald Trump using this phrase when discussing American politics.