What kind of behavior would be described as ornery?

Describing someone as "ornery" typically refers to a person who is ill-tempered, cranky, or difficult to deal with. Such behavior aligns closely with being argumentative and stubborn, as these traits often manifest in a reluctance to cooperate or engage positively with others. An ornery individual may frequently express disagreement, be combative rather than collaborative, and show a tendency to hold onto their positions, making interactions challenging.

The other options suggest behaviors that are opposite to or inconsistent with being ornery. Cooperative and friendly attitudes promote harmony, supportive and nurturing behaviors foster care and assistance, while passive and reserved behaviors usually indicate a lack of assertiveness or aggressiveness. Therefore, only the description of being argumentative and stubborn accurately reflects the nature of an ornery demeanor.