Really cross

[Hingeandbracket]

Is this a regional expression?

I keep seeing it on here and I always imagine it being said in a Southern English accent.

It sounds like a refugee from a 1950s Ealing Comedy.

Dm uses it, from the NE

I also would say Enid Blytonesque

I don't think anyone in Scotland uses it, especially around here! (Ditto "poorly")

I always imagine being said by an angry toddler with a lisp. I'm weally, weally cwoth!

Yes, poorly is also not heard

“Ah’m no weel”

I can’t be the only Scottish person to use cross? I also use poorly @Sonichu . I’m Scottish for generations back with absolutely no English heritage.
Curious to know what alternative words people use when speaking to children? Angry is too aggressive, obviously can’t swear at them...?

I say ‚ I’m not happy‘, or really not happy
Im getting annoyed, v really annoyed etc
That’s not good
That’s really not good
I’m not impressed
Cut it out
There will be consequences for this
Do not push it/me

Plenty of things to say?

How is angry aggressive anyway?

I haven't heard it used since the 80's.

I started this exact thread a few years ago and no-one agreed with me! To me it sounds really twee and pathetic.

Belfast here. My mum always used it!

@Ferfooksake I am a northerner (from
Lancashire) living in Tunbridge wells and that made me laugh as I don't think I've ever said really cross but I say 'fer fooks sake' every day.

It’s normal for me.
I think it’s not as commonly used as it once was and it’s too mild. To get any reaction from other people you need to swear or be fuming/disgusted/appalled/livid.

I’m a Londoner (not a posh one!) and I say it all the time. When DD hears ‘I’m starting to get cross’ she knows that’s her cue to pack it in or face a consequence.

I also use it with adults if I’m complaining, eg British Gas were told I was starting to get a bit cross about the fact that three different engineers hadn’t managed to solve the problem with my boiler.

To me it’s less aggressive than angry, but a step up from annoyed. If I ever told anyone I was angry then I would REALLY be pissed off.

@cakemakeslifebetter I'm Scottish and also use cross and poorly!

I'm Scottish and have never said it. Posher folk than me would say it right enough.

Interesting

dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/cross

One of the defintions

o annoy someone by not doing or saying what they want:

e.g. I wouldn't cross him if I were you, not if you value your life.

I am cross with her.
She crossed me.

Interesting word, isn't it.

I would say “to cross sb” though. That meaning feels fine.