bicker

/'bikə/
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bicker

Two children bicker over whose turn it is to use the swing.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To argue about petty or trivial matters; to engage in a minor, often persistent, quarrel.
    • To make a rapid, repeated, light pattering or clattering sound.
Usage
  • The verb bicker is used to describe a specific type of argument. It implies that the disagreement is unimportant, often continuing in a repetitive or nagging manner. It is typically used for arguments between people who know each other well (e.g., family members, close friends, colleagues).
  • When describing a sound, bicker is a more literary or poetic term for a light, repeated noise, like that of flowing water or rain.
Examples
  • Verb (argue):
    • The siblings would often bicker over who got to sit in the front seat of the car.
    • The committee members spent the meeting bickering about the font size in the report instead of discussing the budget.
  • Verb (sound):
    • The stream bickered over the smooth stones. (Literary usage)
    • Rain bickered against the windowpane all night.
Advanced Usage
  • "to bicker back and forth": to argue in a continuous, alternating manner.
    • The two politicians bickered back and forth during the entire debate without addressing the core issue.
  • The noun form "bickering" is more common than the noun "bicker" to describe the act or instance of petty arguing.
    • The constant bickering in the office created a tense atmosphere.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bickering (n): The act of arguing about trivial things.
    • Their endless bickering was exhausting.
  • Bickerer (n): A person who often engages in petty arguments. (Less common)
Synonyms
  • Squabble: To argue noisily over something trivial.
  • Quarrel: A more general term for an angry argument.
  • Wrangle: To argue, often angrily and at length.
  • Spat: A brief, petty quarrel.
  • Tiff: A slight or petty quarrel.
Antonyms
  • Agree: To have the same opinion.
  • Concur: To agree or be of the same mind.
  • Harmonize: To be in agreement or concord.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "bicker like an old married couple": To argue frequently about small things, often in a way that suggests familiarity and a long-standing relationship.
    • Those two roommates bicker like an old married couple about whose turn it is to take out the trash.
bicker

Two children bicker over whose turn it is to use the swing.

Noun
  1. a quarrel about petty points
Verb
  1. argue over petty things
    • Let's not quibble over pennies

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