noun / verb

gripe

GRYPE/ɡrˈaɪp/

An expression of annoyance or dissatisfaction.

The diner's gripe concerns the cold food on the small plate.

A diner persistently complains with an irritated face and an open palm toward a small plate of cold food while a server listens patiently; compact two-person table-edge scene, no words or speech bubbles.

Etymology

Originally meaning to seize or grasp, gripe later described producing a gripping pain in the bowels. The complaining sense probably developed from that painful sense, much like figurative bellyaching.

In context

Open Mic Gripe5:01

I'm already thinking of of crap that I want to gripe about

Gripe 003 - Hodgepodge of Complaints (Part 1)

More examples

The manager listens patiently to our gripes.
He gripes about having to wash the dishes.
We griped about the delay but stayed in line.

Forms

gripe · gripes · griped · griping

Similar words

complaint: More neutral; does not suggest petty or repeated dissatisfaction.
grievance: Usually concerns perceived unfairness rather than an everyday annoyance.