kvetch

Definition

To whine or complain, often needlessly and incessantly.

Etymology

From Yiddish קוועטשן (kvetshn, literally “to squeeze, pinch”), from Middle High German quetschen (“crush, press”).

Example Sentences

• "Is this truth I’m delivering up, or is it just plain kvetching? Or is kvetching for people like me a form of truth?"
• "Make a commitment, Charlie. Go with life or go with death, but quit the kvetching. Don’t keep us all in suspense."
• "Celebrities often kvetch about the lack of privacy and being bothered by paparazzi, but these are not life-threatening problems and they get enormous advantage as they go through life."

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