whining

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New2grammar  #539447  Thu, 10 Jul 08 06:58 PM
Are bitching and whining interchangeable?
Thanks.
  
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optilang  #539448  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:04 PM
I would say no.

Bitching = to talk badly about someone or something, also to complain.

Whining = to complain, in the sense of going on about something.

She was bitching about Emily who is now going out with her ex-boyfriend.

Stop whining, I'll buy you an ice-cream in a minute.

  
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New2grammar  #539450  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:11 PM
Thanks, Optilang. I got it.

optilang
in the sense of going on about something

By the way, what does the above mean?
  
optilang  #539456  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:18 PM
Example - my son.

"Dad by me an ice-cream, please."

"Ok I will, later".     30 seconds later

"Dad, I want an ice-cream, please".

"Yes I know, I told you I will buy you one later".      30 seconds later.

"Dad, Dad, buy me an ice-cream, please".

"I will, I will"          30 seconds later

"Dad, when are you going to buy me an ice-cream? You said you would. You promised".

"If you don't stop (your) whining (going on and on), I'll change my mind"        
  
New2grammar  #539457  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:20 PM
That's so cute. Thanks, Optilang.
  
Goodman  #539468  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:50 PM

Bitching – is a colloquial expression with a negative connotation. In a bulk sense, it means vocally express your dissatisfaction about something, either with reason or otherwise. When someone  is  “complaining” about something, there is usually a cause or reason which may or may not stand.

 

i.e. Mary is bitching about the long hours with her new job.

 

Whining on the other hand an subdue form of complaining which is often an annoying, naggy or pesty display of sound and behavior from someone who is looking for attention or wanting something.

 

i.e. My kid has been whining to me about buying him an Ipod for over 6 months.

     

  
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New2grammar  #539469  Thu, 10 Jul 08 07:52 PM
Thanks, Goodman!
  
Grammar Geek  #539479  Thu, 10 Jul 08 08:24 PM

Lastly, be aware that "bitching" is considered mildly vulgar.

 

  
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