fighting word

American  

noun

1. Usually fighting words. language that arouses rage in an antagonist.

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Example Sentences

We was fighting word counts, so a lot of my essay got chopped up.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2022

The main target of its critique is also the principal object of its affection, which we might call — using a name that has lately become something of a fighting word — cinema.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2022

Then she turned the case over and spied a fighting word: Soul, short for SoulCycle, a popular chain of cycling studios in New York and Los Angeles.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2012

But frumps and dowds are not admired by present-day school teachers; "schoolmarm" is a fighting word.

From Time Magazine Archive

"It may be interesting to note that from this experience of Buffalo with Michigan the expression, 'I've got you Buffaloed,' is said to have originated, and to-day Michigan players use it as a fighting word."

From Football Days Memories of the Game and of the Men behind the Ball by Edwards, William Hanford