Etymology Journal · S
Stop your bellyaching
Meaning
- To stop complaining about something, especially if the complaint is perceived as petty or constant. It implies the person is making a big deal out of nothing.
Dismissive, blunt
Used in a sentence
- Stop your bellyaching about the cold; it is January in Minnesota.
- I am tired of hearing you bellyaching about the commute every single day.
- Just finish the job and stop your bellyaching about how tired you are.
The backstory
A visual metaphor where the pain of the complaint is compared to a stomach ache. It has been used since the 19th century to dismiss whining.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check