Chuntering

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To produce a repeated, low sound often associated with grumbling or discontent while expressing mild annoyance or dissatisfaction
2. To speak quietly and repeatedly with a tone that expresses irritation or dissatisfaction
3. To continuously utter low, murmuring sounds that often reveal annoyance

Etymology: Its origin is obscure, and the most useful clue is the sound itself. The soft "ch" followed by a nasal "n" and a trailing "-er" suggests an imitative formation, a word built to mimic a low, grumbling voice that keeps going without a pause. Such words often arise in speech before anyone writes them down, so the early history of "chuntering" is probably lost. What remains is the sense of the sound: a steady, half-audible complaint that the speaker may not even intend for others to hear.

Synonyms: muttering, mumbling, grumbling

Antonyms: shouting, declaring