めそめそ

めそめそ
adverb, verb (suru)
whimpering, sniveling
1. whimpering, sniveling, crying softly
Crying in a weak, pitiful manner.
めそめそ()いてばかりいるな。
Stop whimpering all the time.
めそめそしないで頑張(がんば)ろう。
Stop crying and let's do our best.
子供(こども)がめそめそしている。
The child is sniveling.

めそめそ is a mimetic word describing weak, pitiful crying or whimpering.

USAGE:
Often carries a slightly negative or impatient tone, suggesting the speaker wants the crying to stop. Used when someone cries in a weak, drawn-out manner.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • めそめそ()く: to whimper, cry pitifully
  • めそめそする: to be tearful, snivel
  • めそめそしないで: stop whimpering

TONE:
Implies the crying is excessive, unwarranted, or annoying. Often used when telling someone to toughen up.

CONTRAST:

  • わんわん()く: to cry loudly (like a child)
  • しくしく()く: to sob quietly
  • ()く: to cry (neutral)