Definition

1. Noun:

   • A noisy, petty, or trivial argument: A "squabble" refers to a minor, often loud, quarrel, typically about something unimportant.

2. Verb:

   • To engage in a noisy, petty argument: To "squabble" means to argue noisily or angrily about something that is not very important.

Usage

• As a Noun: Use "squabble" to describe the argument itself.
• As a Verb: Use "squabble" to describe the act of arguing. It is often followed by "with" (someone) and "over" or "about" (something).

Examples

• Noun:

  • The children had a silly squabble over who got the bigger piece of cake.
  • The political debate descended into a petty squabble about minor details.

• Verb:

  • The siblings often squabble over the remote control.
  • Let's not squabble about who is to blame; we need to find a solution.

Advanced Usage

• "to squabble with someone over/about something": This is the most common structure for the verb.
  • The neighbors squabbled with each other over the property line.
• "to have a squabble": A common collocation for the noun form.
  • They had a brief squabble but made up quickly.

Variants and Related Words

• Squabbler (n): A person who frequently engages in petty arguments.
  • He's known as a squabbler who loves to debate trivial points.

Synonyms

• Bicker (v): To argue about petty matters; very similar to "squabble."
• Tiff (n): A slight or petty quarrel.
• Spat (n): A brief, petty quarrel.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Squabble" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The verb is typically used directly.) - Squabble away: (Less common) To spend time squabbling. - They squabbled away the entire afternoon instead of working.

Related Idioms

• "A storm in a teacup": This idiom describes a situation where people get very angry or worried about something that is not important, similar to the nature of a squabble.
  • Their argument was just a storm in a teacup; it was over nothing.

Noun

1. a quarrel about petty points

Verb

1. argue over petty things
   • Let's not quibble over pennies