Words / C2

BIK-uh/ˈbɪkə/

To bicker is to argue about petty things in a bad-tempered way: bicker over the bill, bickering in the kitchen. A quarrel (already in the dictionary) is everyday and larger; to quibble (already in the dictionary) is to nitpick a small point, often of wording. Querulous (already in the dictionary) is peevishly complaining, of tone. Canapés are not a flame-risk close-out.

Meaning

To argue about petty things in a bad-tempered way.

Examples

• “Do not bicker over the canapés while the flame risk is open.”
• “A quarrel is an angry argument (already in A2). To quibble is to nitpick (already in C2). Querulous is peevish complaint (already in C2). Taste at a gala can be exact. Taste instead of a dated flame-risk line is noise. Name the owner of the door; leave the menu for the social.”

Good to know

Quarrel over petty points. Everyday: quarrel / squabble (already in this dictionary). Close: quibble (already in C2). Contrast: querulous (peevish tone — already in C2). Canapés ≠ a flame.

Near in meaning

squabble, quarrel, wrangle, spar

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