truculent
TRUK-yuh-luntadjMeaning quick to argue or fight; fierce and defiant
Memory hook TRUCK-ulent: “MY TRUCK! Don’t touch!”. Theo sits in his toy truck with his arms crossed and a fierce scowl: “Mine! Go away!” He is truculent.
The truculent toddler crossed his arms and refused to put on his shoes.
In context Asked to explain why he was late, the truculent teenager only scowled, folded his arms and muttered that it was none of their business.
Similar defiant, combative, surly, belligerent
Opposite meek, cooperative, gentle
From Latin truculentus, “fierce, savage,” from trux, “wild, fierce.”