Where "Whinge" Comes From
First recorded in Old English as hwinsian (meaning to whine or whimper) over 800 years ago, "whinge" isn't uniquely Australian in origin, but Australians adopted it with immense relish. It famously became a cornerstone of the national lexicon in the affectionate put-down "whingeing Pom", used for British arrivals who couldn't stop complaining about the relentless heat and outback bush flies!
"Stop whinging about the weather and get on with it."
How Aussies Actually Use It
To whinge is to complain, usually about something small, and usually for longer than anyone wants to hear it. It is not used for serious grievances. Calling someone a whinger is a mild insult, the kind you can say to a mate.
You will hear it as a verb ("stop whinging") and as a noun ("have a whinge"). "Having a whinge" can even be friendly, a way of letting off steam with someone. It is not a swear word, so it is safe to use at work.
See also: Sook (someone who is overly sensitive or a bit of a baby), Spit the dummy (to lose your temper).
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: WINJ.
In conversation:
- Stop whinging about the weather.
- He’s always whinging about something.
- I don’t want to whinge, but it’s cold.
Good to know: It’s a mild word for complaining, and it’s often used about small things. The person who does it is a “whinger”.
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