Chunnering

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. Quiet, steady muttering or grumbling under one's breath, often in a complaining or gossiping tone that others can hear faintly
2. A low, rambling murmur of talk, typically discontented or confidential, that drones on without much clear sense
3. Muted, persistent chatter or complaining spoken in a hushed and indistinct way, usually by someone who is annoyed or gossiping

Etymology: "Chunnering" is the form of "chunner" used as a participle or gerund, so the meaning and history belong to the base verb. "Chunner" means to grumble or mutter in a low, complaining way, usually under the breath and often in a persistent, irritated manner. The word is chiefly known in British and Northern English dialect, where it is most at home in everyday speech describing someone who keeps up a steady stream of quiet complaint.

Synonyms: muttering, grumbling, murmuring, grousing