What does sulk mean?
To sulk is to express displeasure through silence, withdrawal, or an enduring bad mood, usually without openly discussing the cause. The word suggests a sulky, resentful attitude that may be deliberately displayed to others. Sulking is especially recognizable in familiar or informal contexts: a child who stops speaking after being denied something, or a friend who remains cold and unresponsive after an argument. In neutral writing, it can simply describe persistent silence or sullen behavior. The related adjective is sulky, meaning sullen or inclined to sulk, and the noun sulk refers to a period of such behavior. Although sulking can communicate dissatisfaction without words, it can also prolong a disagreement and prevent resolution.
To behave sullenly or silently because one is angry or resentful.
"He sulked over the disagreement for the rest of the evening."
Commonly used for deliberate or prolonged displays of displeasure; often informal and mildly disapproving.
A period of sullen or resentful silence, especially as a way of expressing displeasure.
"She went into a sulk and would not answer the door."
Usually informal and often implies that the behavior is intended to be noticed.
Used for separate periods of sulking; the plural is less common than the singular.
"The children's sulks lasted until the following morning."
To sulk is to let displeasure speak loudly through silence: the classic weather forecast for a bad mood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulk come from?
The modern verb developed from the obsolete English verb sulken, which meant to be sullen or to behave in a sulky manner. The older form belongs to a wider Germanic family associated with ideas of sullenness and resentment. English later developed sulky and the noun sulk from the same verbal base.
Related word forms
How sulk is actually used
The term is usually informal and mildly disapproving. It describes behavior that is conspicuous, often childlike or unnecessarily prolonged, although it can also be used neutrally in narrative descriptions.
Easily confused with sulk
A pout is primarily a physical expression of displeasure involving the lips, whereas sulk describes a sustained mood or pattern of silent resentment.
Brooding focuses on inwardly dwelling on something, while sulking usually includes outwardly sulky or unresponsive behavior.