1.
quibbling, grumbling, complaining with excuses
Describes the act of making petty objections, excuses, or complaints instead of just doing what is asked. Almost always used with 言う.
つべこべ言うな。
Stop quibbling.
つべこべ is an onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound of someone endlessly complaining or making excuses.
Common patterns
Similar words
- ぐだぐだ言う: to go on and on, to ramble complaints
- ぶつぶつ言う: to mutter complaints
- つべこべ言う: to quibble, to make petty excuses
Usage: Strongly informal. Used to tell someone to stop making excuses and act. Carries an impatient, commanding tone.