dudgeon

The origin of 'dudgeon' is obscure and debated, adding to its intriguing character. It likely entered English in the late 16th century, possibly from the Welsh dysgwrn or dysgon, meaning 'resentment' or 'grudge'. Another theory suggests an Anglo-French origin, perhaps related to a kind of wood used for dagger handles, metaphorically linking to a weapon of feeling. Regardless of its precise source, the word has consistently denoted a state of angry, sullen, or haughty resentment, capturing a very specific shade of offended feeling that has remained stable in English for centuries.

The word is a simplex. Its origin is uncertain, but it is likely from Anglo-French or Middle English. The functional role is as a complete lexical unit.