gripes

Gripes is the plural noun form of gripe, meaning a complaint or grievance, usually of a petty, persistent, or informal nature. In everyday speech, someone’s gripes are the issues they repeatedly raise rather than formal objections. The term can refer to a single complaint (a gripe) or to a collection of complaints (the gripes about something). The word is common in casual writing and conversation.

Origin and history: The noun gripe emerged in American English in the 19th century, though its exact origin is uncertain. It is generally linked to the notion of gripping or grasping, figuratively representing a hold on a problem that others might overlook. The corresponding verb gripe (to complain) is closely related and has similar connotations.

Usage and nuance: Gripes tend to imply dissatisfaction with everyday matters such as service quality, policy details, or routine inconveniences, rather than broad or principled critiques. They are often bitingly humorous or tempered with sarcasm. In formal writing, grievance or complaint is usually preferred, while gripes remains informal and conversational.

Related terms include complaint, grievance, and gripe (singular).