Definitions

1. adjective

having or showing a bad temper, being hostile or unfriendly, and often being uncooperative or difficult to get along with

“The surly customer complained about the food to the waiter.”

2. noun

a surly person, especially a young person who is being deliberately difficult or uncooperative

“The parents were frustrated with their surly teenager’s attitude.”

3. adverb

in a surly manner, with a bad temper or being hostile or unfriendly

“The surly boy sulked in the corner, refusing to talk to anyone.”