marmotter

Senses

1. 1.

   to mutter, to mumble

   to speak in a low, indistinct voice, often expressing complaint or annoyance

2. 2.

   to grumble, to complain

   to express dissatisfaction in a muttered way

Examples

• "Il marmottait entre ses dents pendant toute la réunion."

  He was muttering under his breath throughout the entire meeting.

• "Elle marmotta quelque chose à propos du retard du bus."

  She grumbled something about the bus being late.

• "Ne marmotte pas ! Parle clairement."

  Don't mumble! Speak clearly.

Usage

Marmotter is a colloquial, informal verb commonly used to describe muttering in frustration or complaint. It often suggests the speaker is being a bit petulant or unhappy. The verb is frequently used with adverbials like "entre ses dents" (under one's breath) or "quelque chose" (something).