Crybaby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crybaby

[หˆkraษชหŒbeษช.bi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

A person who is quick to cry or express their emotions, often seen as weak or overly sensitive by others. Crybabies may have difficulty coping with stress or criticism.

Synonyms

sissy, whiner, wimp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crybaby

Refers to someone, typically a child, who easily bursts into tears when things donโ€™t go their way. Itโ€™s often used to mock or criticize someone for overreacting or being overly sensitive.

  • Stop being such a crybaby; it's just a small scratch.
  • The team lost the game and now he's acting like a crybaby.
whiner

Describes a person who frequently complains in a high-pitched, annoying manner. It's used in a negative sense to point out someoneโ€™s tendency to grumble or protest unnecessarily.

  • He's turning into a real whiner ever since he started this job.
  • Nobody likes working with a whiner.
wimp

Refers to someone who lacks physical or emotional strength and is easily frightened or intimidated. It's a negative term generally used to criticize someone for their lack of courage or resolve.

  • Don't be such a wimp, stand up for yourself.
  • He backed out of the challenge because heโ€™s a wimp.
sissy

A derogatory term used to describe someone, usually a male, who is perceived as weak, cowardly, or overly sensitive. This term has a negative connotation and can be offensive.

  • Don't be such a sissy; it's just a bug.
  • He didn't want to climb the tree and they called him a sissy.

Examples of usage

  • She's such a crybaby, she starts crying at the smallest things.
  • Don't be such a crybaby, learn to toughen up and deal with your problems.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who complains or whines frequently, especially over trivial matters.

Synonyms

complainer, moaner, whiner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crybaby

Used to describe someone who frequently cries or complains about insignificant issues. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting immaturity.

  • He's such a crybaby, always making a fuss over the smallest things
complainer

Refers to someone who often expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance about various matters. The term is less about emotional expression and more about verbalizing discontent.

  • Our neighbor is a constant complainer, always finding something wrong with the neighborhood
whiner

Describes a person who complains in a high-pitched, annoying way. This term often suggests that the complaints are persistent and irritating.

  • Stop being such a whiner and just do your chores
moaner

Generally used in British English to describe someone who complains incessantly, often in a negative or pesimistic tone.

  • He's a bit of a moaner; he never seems happy with anything

Examples of usage

  • He's always complaining about something, what a crybaby.
  • Stop being a crybaby and just deal with it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, frequent crying may indicate emotional distress or difficulty managing feelings.
  • Labeling someone a 'crybaby' can be dismissive, potentially stigmatizing their emotional expression and leading to further emotional issues.

Pop Culture

  • 'Cry baby' is a popular term in music, with songs that express vulnerability and emotional struggles, often resonating with listeners.
  • The term has appeared in films and literature, often used to explore themes of childhood, emotion, and personal growth.

Literature

  • Throughout children's literature, characters deemed 'crybabies' often learn valuable lessons about resilience and coping with disappointment.
  • Classic stories sometimes feature 'crybaby' characters as a foil to stronger, more stoic protagonists, highlighting different emotional responses.

Sociology

  • Cultural expectations often influence how crying is perceived; in some societies, expressing sadness or disappointment is stigmatized, leading to the 'crybaby' label.
  • Men are often labeled 'crybaby' more harshly due to societal norms that discourage emotional expression, especially in adulthood.

Origin of 'crybaby'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crybaby' first appeared in the early 19th century, combining 'cry' and 'baby' to describe someone easily brought to tears.
  • Originally, 'crybaby' referred mainly to young children, but it has since evolved to describe adults who are viewed similarly.

The term 'crybaby' originated in the 19th century, combining the words 'cry' and 'baby' to describe someone who cries like a baby. It has since evolved to also refer to someone who complains excessively.


See also: cry, crying, outcry.