DictionarypetulantChildishly irritable
adjective

petulant

PECH-uh-lunt/ˈpetʃələnt/

Easily annoyed in a childish way.

The man gives a petulant pout over a slightly broken cookie.

A middle-aged man sulks disproportionately over a slightly broken cookie, folding his arms and pushing out his lower lip while the cookie and its small broken piece sit on a plate before him.
Etymology

Latin petulans meant saucy or insolent, as the English adjective originally did. Its shift toward irritable impatience probably reflects influence from pet meaning a fit of ill-humor.

In context

Relaxation Cabin Manhwa Recap78:15
Fang Rui stamped her foot, her tone laced with petulant complaint.
My Talent Adds +1 Every Time I Drain My Stamina To Zero!

More examples

  • The child’s petulant complaints grew louder.
  • Her petulant refusal surprised the team.
  • The review described his manner as petulant rather than firm.

Forms

petulant · more petulant · most petulant

petulance noun — childish irritability

Similar words

sulky
Sulky suggests resentful withdrawal; petulant may involve childish complaints or irritability.
irritable
Irritable means easily annoyed; petulant adds an immature or unreasonable quality.