Every village or community needs a curmudgeon. Most dictionaries define a curmudgeon as an ill-tempered, cranky person who does nothing but complain. According to stereotypes, this is the domain of the older man, seasoned by life and hardened by experience. Both definitions are unfair. A better definition comes from American writer Jon Winokur in his book, The Portable Curmudgeon.
“A curmudgeon is anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretence and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner.”
There is a difference between a cynic and a curmudgeon. Cynics believe self-interest motivates people. The cynic believes all things are rigged against them. Meanwhile, a curmudgeon is disappointed by things because they hold people to ideals and higher standards. The grumbles from a curmudgeon are from wanting things to be better, and the disappointment when that is not achieved. Their view of people is annoyed by incompetence. They value standards and tradition. Why fix what isn’t broken? But also why keep doing things the same way when the results are not good.
Every community needs that curmudgeon, if for no other reason to counter the social pressures to get along or keep the peace. Often, no one wants to speak out against a bad idea or concept out of fear of alienating or upsetting others. A curmudgeon spots those bad ideas and pours cold water on them. Curmudgeons speak practicality. They will ask: Why must a village government hire an engineering consultant when it employs three staff who are engineers? Or why the village keeps budgeting to fix a leaky roof in a hardly-used building, but never fixes it?
Curmudgeons have long memories. Their memories are not viewed through rose-coloured glasses, rather based on lived experience. They also respect quality work. Why do a poor job twice, when it can be done once the proper way?
There is also an appeal to a curmudgeon, which is why every community should have one. They use humour and observation to make a point, to identify a truth. Sarcasm is their second language and used for good, not to be cruel nor mean.
Curmudgeons rail against the need for a QR code on your phone when a paper ticket would do. They chide waste and roadblocks set up to deny answers given.
More and more, political correctness or self-educated truths have value in society more than facts and truth. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, an apple is just an apple, and a stupid idea is just that — stupid.
The rise of curmudgeons is a reaction to the environment around them. Embrace them. Demanding words have meaning, that people do what they say they will, and that politicians don’t spend money on stupid things is not bad. Curmudgeons don’t impede progress, they point out when progress for the sake of progress is a dumb reason for it. A curmudgeon is the ultimate loyal local citizen or group member. They see the potential in the communities, and raise alarm when some waste that opportunity for some shiny bauble.
Every community needs a curmudgeon. They may look like they’re shaking their fist at the cloud again about something done by others, but they are often being helpful in the best way that they can. Curmudgeons grumble at things because they know the potential of their community, and hate to see it muddied by the incompetence of others.
The village curmudgeon doesn’t try to stop the world from turning; they speak up in the hopes that the turning goes smoothly. Every village and community needs one. They may be the only ones there who care enough about their community to tell you the truth. Don’t expect them to be happy about it though.
This column was originally published in the December 31, 2025 print edition of the Morrisburg Leader.
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