dour

Dour describes a specific kind of coldness that is both stubborn and joyless. It is not just sadness or anger, but a rigid, unyielding sternness that feels impenetrable. While "stern" suggests authority and "gloomy" suggests sadness, dour combines them into a personality trait or facial expression that actively discourages friendliness or optimism. It often carries a connotation of being "stiff-necked" or humorless. It is frequently used in literary contexts to describe people from harsh climates or rigid moral backgrounds—individuals who view cheerfulness as a weakness or a distraction.