"grimalkin" is an English term that dates back to the 16th–17th century, originally referring to an old or evil-looking cat (grim + malkin, a diminutive of Mary, often used for cats). By extension, it came to describe an unpleasant, bad-tempered, or shrewish old woman, drawing on the metaphor of a cantankerous cat. The word appears in literature, folklore, and informal speech to convey malice, nagging, or irritability. It is mildly to moderately derogatory, emphasizing temperament and age, and is never neutral.

What is the origin of the term "grimalkin" and how is it used?

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Определение и значение слова «grimalkin» на английском языке

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