Definition of glum

The word "glum" has its roots in Old English, which is the language spoken in England before the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Old English word "glum" meant "downcast" or "displeased." It was derived from the Germanic word "glumaz," which meant "heavy-hearted." Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass a wider range of negative emotions, including sadness, gloominess, and melancholy. The Middle English period saw the word's spelling change to "glom" before it eventually settled on the modern-day spelling of "glum" in the late 16th century. In modern use, the word "glum" is often associated with someone who appears unhappy, sullen, or unapproachable. It can be used as a noun to describe a person showing these traits or as an adjective to describe their demeanor. In literature and popular culture, the word "glum" has been employed in various ways. It has been used to describe characters in works such as Shakespeare's plays and the famous Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Popular musicians such as Morrissey have also used the word in song lyrics. In spite of its slightly archaic nature, the word "glum" continues to remain in everyday use in various Englishes, including British, Australian, and New Zealand English.