Words / B1

WINJ/wɪndʒ/

To whinge is to complain in a weak, repeated way that annoys other people (UK informal). Complain is neutral; moan is close; whine is similar but also the sound. Collocation: whinge about the weather / the food. Noun: a whinge is less common than the verb.

Meaning

To complain in an annoying, repeated way (UK informal).

Examples

• “Do not whinge about the rain; just take your coat.”
• “He whinged about the queue the whole way round the shop.”
• “Nobody likes a colleague who whinges all morning.”

Good to know

whinge about + noun (UK informal). Close: moan / complain. Stronger annoyance than complain.

Near in meaning

moan, complain

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