ふてくされる

ふてくされる
verb (ichidan)
to sulk, be sullen, pout
1. to sulk, be sullen, pout in displeasure
To show discontent or resentment through one's attitude and behavior, often refusing to engage cooperatively.
(しか)られてふてくされている。
They're sulking after being scolded.
ふてくされた態度(たいど)()るな。
Don't act so sullen.
()けたからってふてくされるな。
Don't sulk just because you lost.
(かれ)(おも)(どお)りにならないとすぐふてくされる。
He sulks right away when things don't go his way.

ふてくされる describes sulking with a defiant or uncooperative attitude, often in response to criticism, disappointment, or not getting one's way. It's stronger than simply being sad—it implies an active display of displeasure.

Compared to すねる (to pout), ふてくされる suggests a more rebellious, bad-tempered response.

The word comes from 不貞(ふてい) (unfaithful, rebellious) + (くさ)る (to rot), originally meaning to become obstinately defiant.