Grouse

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Grouse

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

growss  /ɡraʊs/

Definition

As a noun: any of several species of ground-nesting game birds of the grouse family (Tetraonidae), including the red grouse of British moorland; (informal) a complaint or grievance. As a verb: (informal) to complain or grumble persistently.

Plain meaning

A grouse is the game bird of British moorlands — the target of the famous Glorious Twelfth shooting season. To grouse is also a British informal verb meaning to grumble or complain persistently.

Register

Neutral for the bird. The complaint verb is informal, slightly old-fashioned, and distinctly British — you might grouse about the weather, the train service, or the quality of the food. It implies persistent, mild complaining rather than serious protest.