Grumbler: meaning, definitions and examples

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grumbler

 

[ˈɡrʌmblər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

person who complains

A grumbler is someone who constantly complains or expresses dissatisfaction, often in a persistent or annoying manner. This term is used to describe someone who is always finding faults or criticizing others.

Synonyms

complainer, moaner, whiner.

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Word Description / Examples
grumbler

Use 'grumbler' for someone who complains habitually about minor issues, especially in a low, murmuring tone.

  • He's always such a grumbler, finding fault with every little thing
complainer

A 'complainer' is someone who expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance about a wide range of issues, often vocally.

  • She's known as a complainer in the office, always talking about her workload
whiner

A 'whiner' is someone who complains in a high-pitched, bothersome manner, often perceived as very annoying; it has a negative connotation.

  • Stop being such a whiner
  • Everyone has to deal with bad weather sometimes
moaner

A 'moaner' is someone who complains frequently, usually with a tone of self-pity. This term can imply a more excessive or exaggerated level of complaining.

  • He's such a moaner, always talking about how hard his life is

Examples of usage

  • He's such a grumbler, always finding something to complain about.
  • The office grumbler never seems to be happy with anything.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'grumble' originated from the early 16th century, derived from the Middle English ‘grumblen’, meaning to murmur.
  • It is formed from a combination of the word ‘grumb’ and the suffix ‘-le’, illustrating a faded sound often associated with dissatisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Characters known for grumbling, like Oscar the Grouch from 'Sesame Street', highlight the humorous side of complaining.
  • In literature, such as in Charles Dickens' works, grumbling characters often serve to reflect societal issues and evoke sympathy.

Psychology

  • Chronic grumbling can be linked to negative thought patterns that affect one's mental well-being.
  • Research suggests that venting frustrations might temporarily relieve stress but can also perpetuate a cycle of negativity.

History

  • In 17th-century England, grumbling was often associated with discontent among lower classes, representing the frustrations of everyday life.
  • Historical texts show that grumbling was used as a form of protest against poor working conditions and unfair treatment.

Literature

  • John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' features characters that embody grumbling, showcasing the theme of spiritual struggle.
  • Contemporary novels often use grumbler characters to provide comic relief while also addressing deeper themes of discontent.

Translations

Translations of the word "grumbler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reclamão

🇮🇳 गुड़गुड़ाने वाला

🇩🇪 Meckerer

🇮🇩 penggerutu

🇺🇦 буркотун

🇵🇱 zrzęda

🇯🇵 不平を言う人 (ふへいをいうひと)

🇫🇷 râleur

🇪🇸 quejica

🇹🇷 homurdanan

🇰🇷 불평쟁이

🇸🇦 متذمر

🇨🇿 bručoun

🇸🇰 hundroš

🇨🇳 抱怨者 (bàoyuànzhě)

🇸🇮 godrnjač

🇮🇸 kvartari

🇰🇿 наразылық білдіруші

🇬🇪 ჯუჯღუნა

🇦🇿 şikayətçi

🇲🇽 quejica

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,976, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.