Maybe we like the misery - The enduring popularity of the 'miserable git'

Extra.ie​

09-07-2025

What does happiness look like? You could say that the answer is different for everybody.
Some people find joy in the simple everyday things in life like a sunny day, a walk in nature, having enough money to live well and being healthy as a cricket. And then there are the other types. We all know them. The ones who seem to be miserable all the time, even if they have all of the good things in life.
The Mrs Doyle character from Father Ted, who famously once said 'Maybe I like the misery' epitomises certain people, although her character was funny, she still managed to be a bit miserable about life in general. She did have Father Jack to contend with I suppose. What does happiness look like? You could say that the answer is different for everybody. Pic: Channel 4
A poem by the poet 'John Cooper Clarke' comes to mind where he describes that kind of person, the ones who are like a grey cloud descending, a 'miserable git' … 'Like a death at a birthday party, you have to spoil the fun, Like a sucked and spat out smartie you're no use to anyone'
I've heard certain people described as the kind that would 'prefer to curse the darkness, than light a candle'.
The movie Grumpy Old Men springs to mind, with the two old characters in that film epitomising what it means to be a cantankerous old so and so. The big blue eyed cat known as Grumpy, went viral for his face that looked perpetually cross. The Grinch also comes to mind for his 'loathe entirely' speech. We love them, in spite of their cantankerous personalities. he big blue eyed cat known as Grumpy, went viral for his face that looked perpetually cross. The Grinch also comes to mind for his 'loathe entirely' speech. We love them, in spite of their cantankerous personalities. Pic: Facebook/Grumpy Cat
The book 'Are you a miserable old git', by Andrew John and Stephan Blake sums it up rather brilliantly, the book was published in 2006 but still reads very true to this day, and while it doesn't actively endorse being a grump, it still sees some value in that particular type of individual, if only comedic value.
They say, 'Whether wielding the sly insult or offering direct contempt, pouring the coldest of water on the grandest of plans or spoiling the happiest of days, or else simply groaning and grumbling in the background in counterpoint to the cheerful bustle of lesser mortals' lives, the commentary of the grump adds wit and savour to everyday existence'.
Such a colourful description almost makes one want to aspire to grumpiness, but then you would be lumped into that esteemed list of narky characters like Winston Churchill, W.C. Fields, and Groucho Marx. I've heard certain people described as the kind that would 'prefer to curse the darkness, than light a candle'. Pic: Ron Batzdorff/Imagine Ent/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
The authors go on to say; 'The world has always produced its share of grumpy, moody, grouchy, pessimistic, world-weary, cynical and curmudgeonly types. This marvellous menagerie of moaners will be sure to brighten your day, for the truth is – whether we're laughing with them or at them – miserable old gits are funny!'
But while there is a certain humour in listening to a moaning Minnie, it does get tiresome after a while, it has a very short shelf life of usefulness, before it becomes wearisome and difficult to listen to.
One of the worst traits of a cranky person can be holding grudges.
These people can hold onto a grudge for years, or decades, never speaking of, or to, the person, who is probably totally unbothered by the fact that you don't like them, or have a 'bone to pick' with them, or something you are not willing to let go of.
This is always only damaging to the person holding the grudge, as a wise old sage once said 'Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die'
Worth a smile at least.