Bickered - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

dispute, argue

The word 'bickered' is the past tense of the verb 'bicker', which means to argue or quarrel about petty and trivial matters. It often refers to minor disputes that arise in conversations, typically between people who are in close relationships. Bickering is characterized by a back-and-forth exchange of disagreements, often without any serious intent to hurt the other party. Such arguments are usually seen as light-hearted or unimportant, though they can be annoying.

Synonyms

argued, disputed, quarreled, squabbled, wrangled.

Examples of usage

They bickered over whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
The siblings bickered about the last piece of cake.
During the meeting, the managers bickered about the budget.
Despite the bickering, they remained good friends.
The couple often bickered, but they always resolved their differences.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Bickering is seen by psychologists as a normal way for people to express their differences in a less serious context.
Frequent bickering can indicate a close relationship, revealing comfort levels between the individuals involved.
Research shows that couples who bicker are often better at communicating their feelings and resolving deeper issues.

Pop Culture

Many famous cartoon characters, like Tom and Jerry, often engage in bickering, which adds humor and relatability to their interactions.
In films, bickering is a common trope that illustrates chemistry between characters, such as in romantic comedies.
TV sitcoms frequently use bickering between family members to generate relatable and comedic scenarios that audiences enjoy.

Literature

Classic literature often depicts sibling or couple bickering to showcase the dynamics of relationships, like in Jane Austen's novels.
Many poets use bickering as a metaphor for deeper conflicts in their works, highlighting the complexity of human emotions.
In children’s books, friendly banter or bickering often serves to teach children important lessons about resolving differences.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, light-hearted bickering is seen as a sign of affection and intimacy within relationships.
Certain societies view bickering differently, where it can be misinterpreted as hostility rather than playful interaction.
Cultural narratives often celebrate playful arguments in family gatherings, reinforcing bonds and fostering open communication.

Origin of 'bickered'

Main points about word origin

The word has roots in the Middle English word 'bikeren' which means to quarrel or argue playfully.
It may also be related to the Dutch word 'bikkeren', referring to a fuss or squabble.
Bickering was notably common among siblings, as early as the 16th century, to illustrate everyday family life.

The term 'bicker' originates from the late Middle English word 'bicor', likely imitative in nature, reflecting the sound or manner of petty quarrels. Due to its onomatopoeic roots, it is believed to capture the essence of discordant voices clashing over trivial points. Initially used to describe small disputes or arguments, the term has retained this meaning through the centuries. 'Bickered' as the past tense has been in usage since the 15th century, and it has continued to be popular in both spoken and written forms, emphasizing light-hearted disagreements that are not meant to escalate beyond conversation. Over time, the term has become commonly used in everyday language, often in familial and friendly contexts, illustrating the common human experience of minor conflicts in relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,158, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38155 giggly
38156 bludgeoning
38157 revaluing
38158 bickered
38159 footy
38160 italicize
38161 doppelganger
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Bickered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations