What does murthering mean?
Murthering is a rare verb meaning to speak in a low or indistinct voice, often while complaining or expressing displeasure. It occurs chiefly in British dialectal and older or literary usage, and it conveys a sense of subdued speech, irritation, or grumbling. A person may be described as murthering under their breath or going on murthering about something, so the word often carries a slightly negative emotional coloring rather than simply indicating quiet speech. The standard modern alternative is usually “muttering,” although “murmuring” can be used when the emphasis is on softness or indistinctness. Murthering is useful for readers interested in regional vocabulary and the history of English, since it preserves a more specific and traditional way of describing speech that sounds low, unclear, or discontented.
verb (present participle)To speak in a low or indistinct voice; to mutter or grumble.
- To speak in a low or indistinct voice, especially with annoyance or displeasure.
"The old man went on murthering about the weather."
"She was murthering under her breath while she worked."
"The witness spent several minutes murthering about the conditions in the building."
Murthering survives as a quiet echo of older British speech, where a mutter could carry complaint as well as sound.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How murthering is actually used
The word is literary or regional rather than standard modern usage. It can suggest complaint or displeasure as well as quiet, indistinct speech.
Easily confused with murthering
Muttering is the standard modern term for speaking in a low or indistinct voice, whereas murthering is a rarer dialectal or archaic form with the same basic meaning.