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argy-bargy

argy-bargy

1 9.9
A noisy argument between people about a small issue
  • noun
  • /ˈɑːɡiˌbɑːɡi/
  • Slang
translation icon : discusión acalorada
  • The meeting turned into a lively argy-bargy as members debated the proposed changes.

Because so often when those issues are taken to the works council, there may be some resistance and some argy bargy, but in the end, often there's not.

Examples

  • Why on earth is there so much argy-bargy about the numbers of male and female victims?

    Blog text (9)
  • Because so often when those issues are taken to the works council, there may be some resistance and some argy bargy, but in the end, often there's not.

  • No more argy-bargy is necessary.

  • There'd be a bit of argy-bargy.

  • You want some argy-bargy?

  • After an hour of argy-bargy about the project, they finally reached a compromise.

  • There was a lot of argy-bargy among the candidates during the debate last night.

Synonyms

debate
vsargy-bargy
  • Formal
2.0

A formal discussion where opposing sides argue about a topic

is less formal and more spirited, often with personal wrangling
fight
vsargy-bargy
675 2.4

A strong argument between people or groups, often public

is usually smaller-scale and more conversational than a major conflict
argument
vsargy-bargy
617 2.3

A disagreement between people that is often angry

is more lively and informal, often playful rather than purely angry
controversy
vsargy-bargy
465 4.9

A long public disagreement that causes strong arguments between people

is usually more immediate, lively dispute rather than extended public debate
dispute
vsargy-bargy
384 3.0

A serious argument about something important that lasts a long time

is typically livelier, less formal, and more argumentative in tone
crossfire
vsargy-bargy
118 5.3

A heated back-and-forth argument between people with different views

is similar yet often more confrontational and informal in tone
row
vsargy-bargy
  • UK
74 6.0

A noisy argument between people

is generally livelier and more back-and-forth rather than only serious noise
quarrel
vsargy-bargy
61 2.0

An angry argument between people who are usually friendly

is more lively and involves wrangling rather than personal relationship strain
altercation
vsargy-bargy
52 6.8

A noisy argument between people often in public

is more spirited and often less openly angry and physical
bickering
vsargy-bargy
42 3.9

Repeated small arguments about unimportant things that annoy people

is livelier and less petty, often about bigger or playful issues
run-in
vsargy-bargy
  • Informal
41 5.2

An angry argument with someone

is generally more public and lively, not just a personal clash
contention
vsargy-bargy
34 6.5

A strong disagreement between people or groups

is usually more conversational and less formally oppositional
squabble
vsargy-bargy
  • Informal
27 4.2

A noisy argument about something unimportant

is more spirited and less trivial, often involving real wrangling
wrangling
vsargy-bargy
16 6.7

A long heated argument about a specific issue

is similar but usually more casual and chatty than prolonged dispute
war of words
vsargy-bargy
15 6.2

A long angry argument in public between opposing groups

is often shorter and more playful dispute rather than bitter attacks
heated debate
vsargy-bargy
12 3.5

An argument with strong feelings and different opinions

is usually more informal and chatty while still heated
shouting match
vsargy-bargy
  • Informal
7 3.8

A noisy argument in which people try to shout louder than each other

is more about lively exchange and wrangling, not just shouting
heated argument
vsargy-bargy
7 3.5

A strong angry disagreement between people with loud voices

is often livelier and more informal rather than purely intense conflict
dustup
vsargy-bargy
  • Informal
5 7.2

A short angry argument between people that is not very serious

is often longer and more back-and-forth rather than brief
heated discussion
vsargy-bargy
5 3.7

An argument where people speak loudly and with strong feelings

is similar but often more informal and lively than formal intensity
sparring
vsargy-bargy
4 5.8

A short angry argument where people try to gain an advantage

is more general lively dispute rather than strategic advantage seeking
arguing
vsargy-bargy
2 2.4

A time when people strongly disagree and speak loudly

is livelier and often more playful disagreement rather than only strong feeling
wrangle
vsargy-bargy
2 7.4

A noisy argument that lasts a long time

is typically quicker and more lively rather than long and repeated
donnybrook
vsargy-bargy
2 9.1

A noisy public fight or argument that causes trouble

is usually more conversational and wrangling rather than chaotic fighting
robust discussion
vsargy-bargy
1 4.1

A lively, strong talk where people share honest, clear opinions

is similar but more distinctly argumentative and often personal
jousting
vsargy-bargy
  • Literature
1 7.5

A public argument where people attack each other's ideas

is more about wrangling and lively argument than formal contest
barney
vsargy-bargy
  • Slang
1 8.6

A noisy argument between people, often in public

is also informal but often more playful and lively than mere noise
words
vsargy-bargy
  • Informal
1 6.2

A short angry argument between people

is more lively and often jokingly combative rather than purely angry
acrimonious argument
vsargy-bargy
7.8

A bitter, angry argument that causes hard feelings

is livelier and often less bitter, more argy and wrangling
shitting match
vsargy-bargy
  • Offensive
9.9

A very angry, petty argument with personal insults

is similar in heat but often more playful and less petty

Antonyms

146 2.5

Agreement and peaceful working together between people or ideas

How Heated

row
  • UK
74 6.0
argument
617 2.3
argy-bargy
  • Slang
1 9.9
debate
  • Formal
2.0
discussion
1.4
chat
  • Informal
312 1.0

Surface Forms

argy-bargy singular
argy-bargies plural

Etymology

Argy-bargy is British slang that grew from a playful rhyme of the common word argue ('to argue'), so the sound feels bouncy and noisy. So, argy-bargy means a lively or heated argument.