Grouse can mean a type of wild bird, especially one found in colder places. In British English, it can also mean to complain about something in an annoyed way.
People use grouse in everyday speech in two main ways. They may talk about the bird when discussing nature, hunting, or wildlife. They also use it as a verb when someone is grumbling or complaining: “He’s always grousing about the weather.”
Meaning & Usage
As a noun, grouse refers to a bird. As a verb, it means to complain, usually in a low-key or informal way. In casual conversation, the complaint meaning is more common than the bird meaning.
Examples
“There are grouse in the hills.”
“Don’t grouse about the traffic — we’ll get there soon.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll often hear grouse in British English when someone is moaning about small problems. It sounds informal and slightly old-fashioned, but people still use it naturally.
Is “grouse” a positive word?
Usually, no. When it means “complain,” it has a negative feeling. When it means the bird, it is neutral.
Is “grouse” used in American English?
Yes, but the bird meaning is more common. The “complain” meaning is understood, but it is more often heard in British English.
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