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whinge

To complain in an annoying or persistent way.

wɪndʒhistoricalCurrent173 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
3 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

Australia
#1·Apr 26, 2026AUS

To complain in an annoying or persistent way. Stronger than "moan."

Origin: British/Australian English from at least the 12th century; survived in dialect and now standard.
Heard in the wild
  • “Sorry for the whinge, I'm not feeling very positive today.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “I wanted to become a neurobiological process practitioner, maybe a therapist down the line, but my own mind and body have kicked me repeatedly, so it’s kind of dawned on me it probably isn’t possible. Just needed a whinge to the void again.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “MAGA is going to whinge about a conspiracy. Let them. We don’t give a shit.”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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Show 2 more dictionary-style senses (imported)
Global
#2·May 2, 2026Global

To whine; to complain, especially in an annoying or persistent manner.

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Global
#3·May 2, 2026Global

A peevish complaint.

For parents

Whinge means: A peevish complaint.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

whinge means: A peevish complaint.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.

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