noun / verb

grouse

GROUSS/ɡrˈaʊs/

A complaint or the act of complaining.

The diner grouses to the waiter about the badly burned toast.

A diner grouses to a waiter about badly burned toast: he stays slouched in his chair, speaking through a small, downturned mouth while pointing grudgingly at the blackened slices.

Etymology

The complaining verb is recorded in British Army slang, but its origin is uncertain. A resemblance to French verbs meaning “murmur, grumble” has been noted, without establishing descent.

More examples

He grouses about the long wait at the pharmacy.
They groused when the meeting ran past lunch.
Stop grousing and help me carry these boxes.

Forms

grouse · grouses · groused · grousing

grouser noun — A person who complains frequently.

Similar words

complaint: A more neutral term, also used for formal objections.
grumble: Emphasizes low, muttered dissatisfaction; grouse often suggests habitual complaining.