chip at

verb

To argue with (someone); to nag, criticize, insult or tease (someone).

Similar
carve
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Meanings

verbchip at (third-person singular simple present chips at, present participle chipping at, simple past and past participle chipped at)

present singular third person chips at · participle present chipping at · participle past chipped at · past chipped at

  1. datedslangTo argue with (someone); to nag, criticize, insult or tease (someone).

Synonyms & antonyms

verbengrave or cut by chipping away at a surface

Similar
carve
Broader
cut
Also see
carve

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

chip at. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chip%20at

MLA

“chip at.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chip%20at. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “chip at,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chip%20at.

Source: chip at on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.