squabble
UK: ˈskwɒb.əl | US: ˈskwɑː.bəl
vi. to engage in a noisy, petty quarrel or argument
n. a noisy, trivial dispute or disagreement
The word "squabble" likely originates from imitative or expressive roots, mimicking the sound of contentious bickering ("squab-" suggesting a scuffle or quarrel). The suffix "-le" is a frequentative ending in English, indicating repetitive or ongoing action (as in "dabble" or "gabble"). Together, the term vividly evokes the repetitive, noisy nature of minor arguments.
The children began to squabble over who got the larger piece of cake.
Politicians often squabble about minor details instead of solving major issues.
Their constant squabbling made the meeting unproductive.
It’s exhausting to listen to them squabble every morning.
The siblings’ squabble ended when their mother intervened.