It is fair to say here that there was not a lifesaving station within twenty miles in either direction, but the men did not know this fact and in consequence they made dark and opprobrious remarks concerning the eyesight of the nation's lifesavers. four scowling men sat in the dinghy and surpassed records in the invention of epithets.

what is the meaning of the word opprobrious within the context of the excerpt?

a. forcefully convincing

b. marked by resourcefulness
c. expressing criticism or contempt
d. restful or relieved