How to pronounce sourpuss
Say it like SOW-er-puus. Sourpuss has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sourpuss. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOW
- er
- puus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sourpuss pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- puusGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
American vs British pronunciation of sourpuss
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SOW-uh-puus.
What does sourpuss mean?
- A person who is habitually gloomy, sullen or miserable; a grouch; a scowling person.
- To make a gloomy, sullen or miserable facial expression; to scowl.
Where does sourpuss come from?
From sour (“bad-tempered”) + puss (“slang for mouth”).
Questions about saying sourpuss
How do you pronounce sourpuss?
Say SOW-er-puus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsaʊərˌpʊs/. In British English it is /ˈsaʊəˌpʊs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sourpuss?
Sourpuss has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOW). Broken into parts: SOW · er · puus.
Is sourpuss pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsaʊəˌpʊs/ (SOW-uh-puus).