The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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bicker

verb

/ˈbɪkə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bicker

To engage in petty arguments, disagreements, or quarrels, often over trivial or inconsequential matters.
"The siblings always bicker over who gets to sit in the front seat of the car."

Detailed meaning of bicker

When people bicker, they engage in back-and-forth exchanges of complaints, criticisms, or disputes that may not have a significant impact on the overall situation. These arguments are typically characterized by their repetitive and unproductive nature, focusing on minor issues rather than addressing substantive concerns. Bickering can occur in various contexts, such as within families, among friends, or between colleagues, and it often results in a strained atmosphere and can strain relationships. This term emphasizes the pointlessness of such conflicts and underscores the need for effective communication and conflict resolution strategies to address more substantial issues constructively.

Example sentences containing bicker

1. If you two can't stop to bicker, we won't get this project done on time.
2. In the long car journey, the children began to bicker over who had the most space.
3. The siblings would often bicker about who had control of the television remote.
4. It doesn't help to bicker about small issues when we have bigger problems to solve.
5. Every time we discuss this topic, we seem to bicker, so let's avoid it for now.
6. It's a waste of time to bicker over who did the chores last.

History and etymology of bicker

The verb 'bicker' has an etymology that traces back to the Middle English word 'bikeren,' which means 'to skirmish' or 'to engage in a petty dispute.' This Middle English term likely has its roots in Old Norse, where 'bikarr' referred to a skirmish or fight. 'Bicker' entered the English language to describe the act of engaging in petty arguments, disagreements, or quarrels, often over trivial or inconsequential matters. It embodies the notion of verbal skirmishing, highlighting the minor and often futile nature of such disputes. When we use the word 'bicker' today, we invoke its historical connection to these small-scale disagreements that can be characterized as little more than verbal sparring.

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Further usage examples of bicker

1. The team members often bicker about the correct way to approach the project.
2. The politicians continued to bicker about the details of the proposed policy.
3. When they start to bicker about household chores, I always leave the room.
4. It was surprising to see the usually calm siblings bicker over the trivial matter.
5. When the couple began to bicker about holiday destinations, their friends decided to intervene.
6. In a high-stress environment, colleagues may bicker over insignificant matters.
7. We don't need to bicker over the choice of the movie; let's decide by vote.
8. In their excitement, the children started to bicker about who would get the first slice of cake.
9. They began to bicker about who was to blame for the error in the report.
10. I dislike it when we bicker about who should pay the bill.
11. My roommates often bicker about the temperature setting on the thermostat.
12. When the band members started to bicker about the setlist, their manager had to step in.
13. It's unhealthy to bicker about past mistakes; we should focus on the present.
14. I suggest we avoid a lengthy debate and not bicker about the color scheme for the website.