argy-bargy
Loud verbal dispute
Argy-bargy is British slang for a noisy quarrel or dispute, typically one that's more heated than serious.
The term suggests bickering, squabbling, or verbal sparring rather than genuine conflict.
There was a bit of argy-bargy at the pub last night, but nobody got hurt.
It can also function as a verb meaning to argue in this animated but ultimately petty way.
squabble
Trivial noisy argument
row · wrangle · disagreement · argument · dispute · contention · feud · discord · strife · conflict
kerfuffle
Noisy fuss or disturbance
- ruckusNoisy, disruptive commotion
- fracasNoisy disorderly fight
- hullabalooNoisy uproar or fuss
brouhaha · fuss · to-do · carry-on · hoo-ha · palaver · scene · stink · uproar · disturbance
argy-bargycivil discourse
Respectful exchange of views
polite conversation · rational discourse · diplomatic negotiation · serenity · tranquility