cantankerous

This adjective carries within it vivid pictures and experiences of specific behaviour.

It means 'quarrelsome' or 'irascible' (another lovely word to use). Its beauty lies in the word’s ability to communicate a serious message or humourous one. Thus it is very valuable to use in narratives that illustrate preferred behaviours.

Its origins are obscure, but there are sources that find it in 14 Century via the obsolete conteckour meaning 'a contentious person' from conteck meaning 'strife' from the Anglo-French.

I find the presence of the letter k rather charming, sitting there, in the middle of the word. Its serves as a reminder of the irritability inherent in its meaning.