spat
SPAT
/spæt/
A brief, minor quarrel or disagreement, typically between friends or lovers.
A spat is very short-lived. It’s like a quick splash of rain—it happens suddenly and is over just as fast, usually without lasting damage to the relationship.
The story behind the word. Spat is an Americanism from the early 19th century. It is likely imitative of the sound of a light blow or a drop of water hitting a surface—short, sharp, and minor.
Word relationships
- tiff: A tiff is even more trivial and 'lightweight' than a spat.
- harmony: A state of peaceful agreement.
Commonly confused with
- feud: A feud lasts for years; a spat lasts for minutes.
Collocations
- brief spat
- lover's spat
- minor spat
Example sentences
- "They had a brief spat about whose turn it was to do the dishes, but they were laughing about it an hour later." A minor disagreement in a relationship.
Memory hook
A spat is like a 'spat' of rain—it's over before you even need an umbrella. Spat: A splash of conflict.
When not to use
Do not use for long-standing grudges or violent altercations.
Fun facts
- The word 'spat' is also the term for a young oyster.
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