Definitions Related words Mentions History Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about whinge (AI summary)

The term "whinge" in literature often carries the connotation of habitual complaining or a persistent, sometimes tedious, expression of discontent. In one context, it is employed to evoke a distinctive regional character whose constant lamenting is both mocking and emblematic of a certain rough, working-class vernacular [1]. Conversely, in a more refined literary setting, the refusal to engage in such whining behavior highlights a contrasting personal quality, as seen in a character from a modernist narrative who prides themselves on not resorting to such self-pitying expressions [2]. This dual usage underscores the term's flexibility in conveying both a social stereotype and a marker of individual resilience.
  1. A sowgering to Newcassel!' Come, dinna, dinna whinge an' whipe, Like yammering Isbel Macky; Cheer up, maw hinny!
    — from The Newcastle Song Book; or, Tyne-Side Songster Being a Collection of Comic and Satirical Songs, Descriptive of Eccentric Characters, and the Manners and Customs of a Portion of the Labouring Population of Newcastle and the Neighbourhood by Various
  2. You crossed her last wish in death and yet you sulk with me because I don’t whinge like some hired mute from Lalouette’s.
    — from Ulysses by James Joyce

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux