Lording it over

The surly autocrat does mean to appear threatening. The clouds in his eyes betray an ominous condition, a sullen menace, the domineering ambition of the inadequately bred. Ill-humored, he often giggles when he forgets the presence of others. He grunts gruffly when unable to form a full sentence, lacks table manners, and always shifts his eyes sideways. Eternally churlish, he delights in launching attacks, unless he fears someone around the table. Prone to mood-swings, as a lunatic would.