What would be acceptable intelligent references to "whiner" or "crybaby" so I can use them and not feel intellectually inferior?

Perhaps it would help if you post what you’re trying to say in normal language and then we can help translate it to intelligent references?

JackAdams, teh re-run.

As given by Merriam-Webster online, synonyms for crybaby are: complainer, fusser, griper, growler, grumbler, whiner. In addition, Thesaurus.com gives the terms: bellyacher, critic, faultfinder, moaner, sissy, softy, wimp, and wuss. I think it’s pretty limited here. Perhaps someone finds the terms unintelligent because they are not used often in conversation? It does not seem like there is a much more sophisticated term (maybe critic or faultfinder – but I find that these change the meaning a bit for the point you are trying to get across). Maybe you should just translate it into another language – one up the person a bit ;)

A complainer? Someone who complains more than they care to actually do something about the given situation?

This question is a direct response/rebuttal to a comment made in this question.

To answer your question directly, you could detract whiners and crybabies from their typical behavior by avoiding the act of calling names altogether. Make a strong case for one point or another, and the point that whiners and crybabies made will wilt in its presence. Or not.

At any rate, to sum it up – don’t look for a different vernacular. Change the approach.

Oh, well that helps put things into context, squirbel. But I won’t get into that one because, if you ask me, that thread looked like it was headed into bad territory after just the first three responses…

Best I can offer is to just try and avoid using words that have negative connotations, but honestly it’s easy for anyone to misconstrue words and be offended for, apparently, no reason. Best to just explain what you mean rather than let a single questionable word like “crybaby” carry all of your intended meaning.

Great responses squirbel and introverted.

If someone was calling me a crybaby I’d probably tell them to F off. It might not be the best approach, but its always worked for me.

malcontent?

Thank you all who took the time to answer.
I was not using the words as a directed derogatory remark to anyone in particular, it just seems that the US is filled with that type personalities, as well as a multitude of individuals that believe they are “owed” since birth.

@dlm812 answered it best I thought.

I will not flame anyone, I believe in asking questions that will stimulate people plus I’d like to know more about most of the subjects I bring up. I will keep a level head no matter the provocation.

The problem with calling people “whiner” and “crybaby,” even if you manage to find sophisticated 50-cent words to do so, is that you have stopped debating the point and started debating the person. As soon as you’ve done that, you’ve gone off the rails.

My dictionary says “sissy”, “mama’s boy”, “wimp”, “wuss”, and “pantywaist”.

Just tell them your not in the mood for being called names. If you’re taller than them, size up so that you look like twice your size to them. That helps with me.