It was initially thought to derive from coeur mechant, the French word for "evil heart," but that explanation has since been debunked. Don't worry, you'll recognize a curmudgeon when you encounter one: he'll be ill-tempered and miserly, quick to wave his fist and scream opposing views. He may even go as far as to call himself a curmudgeon. The English language doesn't have a single word that describes someone who is mean-spirited and resentful toward life's pleasures, so we make do with various adjectives. A cynic believes that all people are bad actors who use good manners to cover up their intentions. A pessimist thinks that life is headed in a negative direction and that humanity is doomed to extinction. An optimist believes that life is full of opportunities and that anyone can change for the better. And a curmudgeon is someone who feels that the world has gone too far under current conditions and is furious about it all. Curmudgeons were popular among Victorian-era gentlemen in England. They were associated with quality and taste, which made them appropriate for describing fine wines and other expensive items. Today, the term "curmudgeon" describes an old man who is disagreeable and difficult to get along with. The English language has many words that describe different states of mind. Curmudgeons are some of the most stubborn people you will ever meet.