![](https://counter-currents.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/James-Baldwin-260x263.jpg)
James Baldwin, who made a career out of being a black bellyacher. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
![](https://counter-currents.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/James-Baldwin-260x263.jpg)
James Baldwin, who made a career out of being a black bellyacher. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
2,965 words
Bellyaching is an argumentation tactic featuring overblown complaining, typically combining elements of whimpering with indignation. It’s rather like pouting, but often sullener than that. It’s done for a reason, of course. The usual object is to tug at the listener’s heartstrings. With enough repetition, perhaps it will even induce a guilt complex.
Note that bellyaching is not simple passive-aggressiveness, such as a moody girlfriend who says that she’s “Fine!” but clearly means nothing of the sort. (more…)