Why isn't gruntled a word?

Question

Why can you be disgruntled but not gruntled?

Answer 1

This is often heard as a joke --using "gruntled" as if it would mean the OPPOSITE of "disgruntled".

In fact, "gruntled" IS a word --though you don't hear it anymore. But it is NOT the opposite of "disgruntled"

What people don't know realize is that he prefix "dis" does not always function as a negative. It can be used as an intensifier. That is the case with "disgruntled".

"Gruntled" already meant "angry" or "complaining" -- related to the word "grunt". "Disgruntled" meant "VERY gruntled." So, if you want to refer to an employee who is unhappy, but not quite so much as the other 'disgruntled' ones you might resurrect the old word and call him "gruntled"! If you really want to use the same root to refer to the uncomplaining or happy ones, you'd have to coin a word like "ungruntled" or "undisgruntled" (or "nongruntled", etc.)

(Actually, the "-le" ending on a verb like this makes it "frequentative", that is, it refers to a repeated action. So 'gruntle', like 'grumble' suggests incessant complaining!)

http://www.word-detective.com/081203.html
http://www.webster.com/dictionary/disgruntle

In the same way "disemboweled" is an intensive (not negative) for "emboweled". (And with that cheery thought. . . !)

Answer 2

I am just taking a guess here but I think it may have to do with fact that the word is taken from an obsolete word (no longer in use). The word 'gruntle' was used in the mid-17th century.

ETYMOLOGY:
dis- + gruntle, to grumble (from Middle English gruntelen, frequentative of grunten, to grunt; see grunt )

[Mid-17th century. < obsolete gruntle "to grumble, grunt" < grunt1]

Answer 3

You can be, all you need is 2 milk bottles, an item of garden furniture and a ferret called Nigel.

Answer 4

And why aren't people who are well behaved said to be "ruptive"? Ever meet anyone who was "combobulated"?

I can't go on with this. I was tracted before I read your question.