whingy

Whingy is an adjective used in British and Australian English to describe a person or behavior characterized by persistent, petty whining or complaining. A whingy person tends to focus on minor grievances and express dissatisfaction frequently, often in a melodramatic or sulky manner. The term can describe mood, tone, or a pattern of remarks rather than a single complaint.

Etymology and forms: Whingy derives from the verb whinge, meaning to complain or whine. Whinge is attested in British English since the 19th century; the noun whinge refers to a complaint or whine. The present participle is commonly spelled whingeing or whinging, with whingy as the adjectival form.

Usage and nuance: Whingy is informal and somewhat pejorative, though it can be used humorously. It typically implies excessive or self-indulgent complaining rather than constructive criticism. The term is most common in the UK and Australia; in American English, terms like whiny or whiner are more usual.

See also: whine, whinger, whingeing, complaint, moan, grumble.