Meanings
nounfighting words pl (normally plural, singular fighting word)
singular fighting word
- pluralplural normallyset phraseAggressive remarks that foreseeably may lead to a potentially violent confrontation.
- pluralplural normallycrimelawWords or remarks that are often considered a form of mitigation for otherwise sanctionable behavior (such as fighting).
Cite this entry
APA
fighting words. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/fighting%20words
MLA
“fighting words.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/fighting%20words. Accessed November 3, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “fighting words,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/fighting%20words.
Source: fighting words on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.