kao peh kao bu

idiom

Meaning

To make a fuss, to complain or whine excessively, to complain to high heaven.

Origin

disputed origin

From Hokkien 哭爸哭母 (khàu-pē-khàu-bú, “to complain to high heaven”, literally “to quarrel with one’s parents; to weep for one’s father and mother”).

Examples

SIMPLE

Stop your kao peh kao bu and just finish the work.

CONTEXTUAL

He started to kao peh kao bu the moment the boss asked him to stay late on a Friday.

COMPLEX

Despite the minor nature of the inconvenience, he continued to kao peh kao bu, exhausting the patience of everyone in the room.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026