Meet “querulous,” a distant cousin to petulant, our descriptive word in yesterday’s post. Not too familiar with querulous, it surprised me to see “petulant” listed as a synonym for querulous.
Similarities exist, but there are differences as well.
1. full of complaints; complaining.
2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
* * *
Children use a querulous attitude to express themselves when not feeling well, when things aren’t going their way, or when they aren’t being amused by someone else. Whining is the only way they have of letting others know something needs to be done. Perhaps it’s hunger or a wet diaper. Maybe they’re teething. But what about older people, like teens or adults.
They too use a querulous posture to get their way — in a relationship, on the job, while socializing with friends. Not as forgivable as in young children, this attitude borders on disgusting in teens and adults.
This young woman may have just learned she is not going out with friends, or getting the keys to the car, or perhaps she isn’t being allowed to get her way in any number of things. Her whining is an example of the querulous attitude in action, her tool in attempting to get her way.
Remember the infant/young child can’t help him- or herself. They have no other mechanism for communicating wants and needs. You may need a querulous young child to build tension between a young married couple in your book or story, or the young whining teenaged girl is the focal point of the novel you’re writing.
Think on these images and tips, and see what you can come up with.
Image attributions may be found by clicking on the image.
I will definitely be using this word, I had never heard it till now
Always happy to supply new words!
Querulous runs in my family I’m afraid. Trying hard to ditch it.
Just read your comment. Good idea to use white flowers to brighten up shady areas. We have the reverse problem too much sun. Thanks for the compliment – more pics coming up under T
Seems we gardeners never quite receive the balance in our gardens we’d like to have with respect to sun or shade. 🙂
What a great word! 🙂
It is, isn’t it??
Thanks!
Quite Qleaver – I get good tips from you thanks
“Quite Qleaver” — I love it! And I’m glad I’m pasing along good tips.
Reblogged this on Wyndy Dee and commented:Not I, said the fly!
Thanks, Wyndy Dee!
You are doing so well with this A – Z Challenge. Lots to learn here. Makes me realize that I too have been querulous at times. (Not good!)
Joan, I’m certain each of us has had a querulous moment or two, maybe more, in our lives! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Into the file you go Sherrey thank you so much! These are such useful tips for any writer and I am very grateful. Disgusting in young adults – grown ones too of whom I can think of a few ..me? Never! How on earth could you think such a thing?Susan Scott’s Soul Stuff
Never would I be querulous — no, not me! (Teehee!) Note you were right there on your guess about today’s topic. Continuing to find satisfaction in your finding usefulness in this series of posts. 🙂
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