whiny

Whiny is an adjective describing someone who is complaining in an annoying way, especially in a high-pitched tone of voice.

To whine is to moan or make a high-pitched cry, or to say something in such a way. It also means to complain, especially by talking in such a way. Whiny is always used negatively to criticize such behavior. It can be used to describe a person or their words or actions. It is also spelled whiney.

Example: People might help you with your problems if you weren’t so whiny about them.

The first records of the word whiny come from the 1850s. It is a combination of whine and the suffix –y, which is used to turn it into an adjective. Whine is much older and is based on the Old English hwīnan, which is related to the Old Norse hvīna, meaning “to scream.”

But whining is not screaming, and being whiny isn’t the same as throwing a tantrum—it’s much more low-key. When we describe someone as whiny, we usually mean that they’re currently complaining in an annoying way (especially by drawing out their words or speaking in a high-pitched tone), or that they’re constantly complaining (which is also annoying). It’s always negative—there are no good ways to be whiny.

Children are described as whiny when they moan and complain about not getting their way. Of course, adults can be whiny, too. They may be less likely to speak in the whiny way that children sometimes do, but they can be called whiny if they constantly gripe about things (especially if they don’t do anything to try solve their problems).

What are some other forms related to whiny?

• whiney (alternate spelling)
• whinier (adjective, comparative degree)
• whiniest (adjective, superlative degree)
• whininess (noun)

What are some synonyms for whiny?

• pouty

What are some words that share a root or word element with whiny? 

• whinge

What are some words that often get used in discussing whiny?

• complain
• impatient
• grumble
• displeased
• cranky
• irritable
• grouchy

Whiny is always used negatively. It is often applied to people who are thought to complain too much.

If you honestly don't like the game, you don't have to play it.

If you do like the game, stop being so whiny about every single thing.

— Dandy Penguin (@Dandy_Penguin) September 25, 2016

“Yeah I’m still single”
• resigned
• whiny
• framed as a personal failure

“None of mankind’s champions have yet proven worthy”
• Powerful demigod vibes
• affirmation of high standards
• discourages cowards

— Light (@AriianaLT) February 23, 2020

Political Twitter strikes me as particularly whiney tonight. People are voting. We get to see what they want. We don't have to speculate. We should celebrate this. Super Tuesday will make things clearer. It's only three days away!

— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) March 1, 2020

Which of the following words is a synonym for whiny?

A. pouty
B. cheerful
C. calm
D. pleasant